Autistic entrepreneurs are making significant strides across various industries, showcasing their creativity, innovation, and dedication. Here, we highlight some successful businesses and ventures founded and run by autistic individuals, each contributing uniquely to their respective fields.
- Spectrum Designs Foundation
Founders: Patrick Bardsley, Tim Howe, Nicole Sugrue, and Stella Spanakos
Industry: Apparel and Promotional Products
About: Spectrum Designs Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides employment and vocational training to autistic individuals. They specialize in custom apparel and promotional products, emphasizing social responsibility and inclusion. Spectrum Designs has grown significantly, employing numerous autistic individuals and making a positive impact on their lives.
- Autistic Interpretations
Founder: Valerie Thomas
Industry: Media and Content Creation
About: Autistic Interpretations is a popular YouTube channel and social media presence founded by Valerie Thomas, featuring her daughter Jessica, who is autistic. The channel provides a candid look into their daily lives, offering insights, tips, and support for families with autistic members. Their content emphasizes understanding, acceptance, and the joys of neurodiversity.
- Brett B. Bakes
Founder: Brett Bowers
Industry: Food and Bakery
About: Brett B. Bakes is a bakery founded by Brett Bowers, an autistic entrepreneur with a passion for baking. Brett’s bakery specializes in custom cakes, cookies, and other baked goods, earning a reputation for quality and creativity. Brett B. Bakes is a testament to how talent and dedication can lead to success, regardless of neurological differences.
- Carly Fleischmann
Founder: Carly Fleischmann
Industry: Media and Advocacy
About: Carly Fleischmann is a well-known autistic advocate and media personality. Non-verbal and communicating through assistive technology, Carly has co-authored a book, “Carly’s Voice,” and hosts “Speechless with Carly Fleischmann,” an online talk show. Carly’s work has been instrumental in raising awareness about autism and promoting acceptance and understanding.
- Coding Autism
Founders: Oliver Thornton and Jake Boudreau
Industry: Technology and Education
About: Coding Autism is a technology and education company that offers coding boot camps and training programs specifically designed for autistic individuals. Co-founded by Oliver Thornton and Jake Boudreau, Coding Autism aims to empower autistic individuals with the skills needed for successful careers in technology. Their programs focus on inclusivity, support, and real-world job readiness.
- NonPareil Institute
Founders: Dan Selec and Gary Moore
Industry: Technology and Training
About: NonPareil Institute is a non-profit organization that provides technical training, employment, and support to adults with autism. Co-founded by Dan Selec, who is autistic, and Gary Moore, NonPareil offers courses in software development, digital art, and other tech-related fields. Their goal is to help autistic individuals achieve independence and career success in the technology sector.
- Ultra Testing
Founders: Rajesh Anandan and Art Shectman
Industry: Software Testing
About: Ultra Testing is a software testing company that harnesses the unique strengths of autistic individuals, such as attention to detail and pattern recognition. Co-founded by Rajesh Anandan and Art Shectman, Ultra Testing provides high-quality software testing services while promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Their innovative approach has garnered attention and respect in the field.
- Zenaviv
Founder: Raghav and Neeraj Gupta
Industry: Art and Social Enterprise
About: Zenaviv is a social enterprise that promotes and sells artwork created by autistic individuals. Founded by Raghav and Neeraj Gupta, Zenaviv aims to provide autistic artists with a platform to showcase their talents and earn an income. The organization also raises awareness about autism through art, highlighting the creativity and potential of autistic individuals.
At Shrub Oak International School, we are proud to foster our students’ entrepreneurial spirit through our Little Oak Farm Stand. This market stand, run by our students, features a variety of products made by the students themselves, including candles, baked goods, and arts and crafts. In addition to these handmade items, the stand also offers fresh produce and eggs from our farm – even chicks! The Little Oak Farm Stand provides our students with valuable experience in business operations, customer service, and product creation, fostering independence and practical skills in a supportive environment.
These businesses and ventures exemplify the creativity, innovation, and resilience of autistic entrepreneurs. Their contributions across various industries not only demonstrate their individual talents but also promote greater understanding and acceptance of autism in society.
