Autistic Youth International

Autistic Youth International Sensory-friendly events • Inclusive books • Advocacy & Outreach • Sensory Play • • Follow for ideas & updates

Autistic Youth International is a global community empowering autistic youth and teens worldwide. 🌍 We provide a safe, inclusive space for connection, self-advocacy, autism acceptance, and neurodiversity awareness. By uplifting autistic voices and promoting mental health, education, and inclusion, we work toward a world where autistic youth are understood, valued, and supported.

This holiday season, Autistic Youth International has teamed up with Toys For Tots Charlotte to provide our families in ...
10/13/2026

This holiday season, Autistic Youth International has teamed up with Toys For Tots Charlotte to provide our families in need with toys for their Autistic children. We’ve decided to extend the love to the families of I’mPossible so all children can experience the magic of the holidays!

If you’re one of our or their community and can demonstrate need (i.e., SSI, EBT, etc.), please reach out to Rebecca Tarrant, founder of AYI, to signup. Please note that we only have a limited number of toys, so this is first come, first served.

With love from Autistic Youth International 💛

*please contact Rebecca at [email protected] for questions and signups. Please do not contact Kelly or Ryan.

I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Live Long and Prosper (LLAP) Award.This award recognizes individuals who...
10/12/2026

I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Live Long and Prosper (LLAP) Award.

This award recognizes individuals who embody Leonard Nimoy’s legacy of inclusion, compassion, and service. His portrayal of Spock left an enduring mark on popular culture, challenging assumptions about difference and inspiring generations to embrace individuality and see the world through new perspectives.

My sincere thanks to David Knight, Julie Nimoy, and the Nimoy-Knight Foundation for this meaningful recognition and for carrying forward Leonard Nimoy’s legacy.

I dedicate this award to my Autistic son, Jackson, and to all the Autistic youth like him. You deserve a world that respects your individuality, values your perspectives, celebrates your strengths, and embraces you for exactly who you are.

As the founder of Autistic Youth International (AYI), I will continue working toward that world by championing Autism acceptance, Neurodiversity, and Disability inclusion locally and around the world.

This recognition is a reminder of why this work matters. I will continue advocating for a future where Autistic youth are not simply included, but genuinely valued, respected, and celebrated.

May we honor Leonard Nimoy’s legacy by building a world where everyone has the opportunity to live long and prosper! 🖖



We had an extraordinary time at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte’s sensory-friendly production of “A Year With Frog a...
10/11/2026

We had an extraordinary time at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte’s sensory-friendly production of “A Year With Frog and Toad”!

Because I’m the founder of Autistic Youth international, I was asked to come to the theatre and experience their sensory-friendly programming. I am Autistic, as is my child, and we both went to see how their program supports our community.

From fidgets and weighted items to Child Guides and in-show sensory warnings, their performance was thoughtfully and intentionally designed with the Autistic and Neurodivergent communities in mind.

If your child gets overwhelmed, there’s a Quiet Room with viewing space so you don’t miss out on a second of the fun while your child regulates.

With the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the supports start the moment you purchase your ticket; we received an email with a Child’s Guide, Parent’s Guide and Social Story all in advance, so we had time to prepare.

There was also a lot of work put into the show itself. The lights were on, the sound was lowered and there was a reduced audience size. It was especially helpful that they held up glow sticks (think mini light sabers) to warn of high-stimulation scenes.

Overall, the actors were incredibly talented, the staff was sweet and accommodating, and the performance was warm and charming.

Most importantly, my Autistic child was able to stay for the entire show because the relaxed space allowed him to stim and then return to his seat, so he was able to enjoy the entire show. He really liked the different animals, singing and dancing.

An absolute joy all-around and a must-do experience! Check out their website for future sensory-friendly performances. 🎭💛



10/11/2026

Here are some supports offered by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte at their sensory-friendly performance.

10/11/2026

We are headed to the theatre with my Autistic child 🎭😀

Getting ready for tomorrow’s “A Year With Frog and Toad” performance at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte by looking t...
10/10/2026

Getting ready for tomorrow’s “A Year With Frog and Toad” performance at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte by looking through the social story and parent guide we were supplied with. I’ll be giving you a full review after tomorrow’s show, but so far, I’m impressed!

Follow Autistic Youth International for more sensory-friendly events and experiences!

10/10/2026

Where are my Trekkies at, because this is AMAZING!

🚨📣 VENDORS, GET READY! SIGNUPS ARE COMING SOON! 🛍️Autistic Youth International’s 5th Annual Festival & Pop-Up Market for...
10/10/2026

🚨📣 VENDORS, GET READY! SIGNUPS ARE COMING SOON! 🛍️

Autistic Youth International’s 5th Annual Festival & Pop-Up Market for Autism is coming in 2027! 💜♾️

✨ Small businesses
✨ Corporate businesses
✨ Nonprofits
✨ Artists, makers & vendors of all kinds!

💜 All proceeds support Autism-focused community initiatives!

📢 FOLLOW US so you don’t miss the vendor signup announcement!

👇 TAG A FRIEND who should be part of our 2027 market!

10/10/2026

After years of Occupational Therapy, our founder’s Autistic child was able to walk across the rope web at the local park! Watch out, Spidey - we think there’s a new hero in town!
PS clock his Muppets shirt??

For more Autism Joy, follow Autistic Youth International 💛

10/09/2026

In our latest episode of “A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity,” we featured families and parents who find themselves caring for their children and aging parents, and the complexity and stress that can leave them feeling “sandwiched.”

📺 Missed the episode? Catch the re-air tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. EST on .
🔗 Learn more at AWODtv.org

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9123 Stone Abbey Place
Charlotte, NC
28215

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