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Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Autism Resources

Helping you find inclusive spaces while supporting neurodiverse individuals—even beyond the doors of Hopebridge.

Wondering where to find autism-friendly spaces? From welcoming spots to bring your child, to businesses that employ autistic adults, here are some Scottsdale community resources that have been recognized for their efforts to create inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with autism and their families:

* This list of local autism resources if for informational purposes only. Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers does not endorse these businesses or locations. Rather, we share the names of these community spaces and organizations that have been identified as being welcoming to the autism population. If you notice any incorrect information or have other suggestions, please let us know at feedback@hopebridge.com.

Autism-Friendly Sports and Recreation Near Scottsdale, AZ

Goodwin Connections

Goodwin Connections provides the All Star Minds Sports & Social Skills program, designed to nurture the physical, social, and emotional well-being of neurodiverse youth ages 5-22. This program fosters confidence, teamwork, and social engagement through sports and interactive activities in a supportive environment.

Jordan’s Corner

Jordan’s Corner is an inclusive indoor play space and enrichment center designed to foster child-led play, skill development, and social engagement for children up to six years old. This welcoming space encourages inclusion and meaningful connections, ensuring all children and caregivers can play and grow together.

Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Games

The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury support autism awareness through events like Autism Awareness Night, adaptive basketball clinics, and community partnerships. As part of Pal Experiences, they offer sensory guides and trained staff to create a more inclusive game experience for fans with autism.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Urban Air Adventure Park hosts sensory-friendly play times designed for children with autism or special needs. These designated times feature a quieter environment without loud music and flashing lights, allowing families to enjoy trampoline and adventure activities comfortably.

Autism-Friendly Science and Learning Experiences Near Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona Science Center

Partnering with Pal Experiences, the Arizona Science Center provides resources to assist visitors with autism, including visual guides and trained staff to facilitate an enjoyable visit. Sensory Backpacks are also available for guests to borrow at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Included in each kit are items to fidget, stress ball, and noise-minimizing headphones.

Butterfly Wonderland

As both a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) and part of the Pal Experiences network, Butterfly Wonderland has put in the effort to make neurodiverse individuals and their families feel welcome. With specially trained staff and resources like social stories to prepare visitors with autism for their visit, guests can feel confident they’ll have a comfortable and engaging experience.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Pal Experiences partnered to create a custom videos and a mobile-friendly guide to support visitors with autism, anxiety and other learning differences. These resources give visitors an idea of what to expect, while offering a welcoming space for children with autism to explore and learn.

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium is a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) and a member of Pal Experiences. The aquarium provides tools and staff training to accommodate guests with autism, offers a dedicated quiet room, and hosts special sensory activities to create an inclusive environment for all visitors.

Autism-Friendly Retailers and Restaurants Near Scottsdale, AZ

Atypical Blooms

Atypical Blooms is a social enterprise florist delivering fresh-cut flowers across Metro Phoenix. Founded to provide job training for their son on the autism spectrum, their long-term mission is to employ individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Each bouquet is designed and delivered with love, ensuring beautiful arrangements and exceptional customer service.

 

Doing Great Clothing Co.

Doing Great Clothing Co. combines quality, fashion, and purpose to create clothing that makes a difference. Their mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to reach developmental milestones and gain meaningful employment. Every purchase helps pave the way for a more inclusive world.

Inclusive Neuroverse

Inclusive Neuroverse is a clothing brand dedicated to promoting autism acceptance and celebrating neurodiversity. Created by a mother and her son, who has autism and ADHD, each piece is designed with love and aims to spread awareness, understanding, and inclusion. With infant, child and adult sizes, show your support by wearing your acceptance proudly.

Macayo’s Mexican Food

With multiple locations near Scottsdale, Macayo’s Mexican Food is a Certified Autism Center, ensuring a welcoming and supportive dining experience for individuals with autism and their families. The autism-friendly spot is a favorite for traditional, handcrafted Mexican meals and celebrations.

Roasting Beans

Roasting Beans is a micro-batch coffee roaster specializing in freshly roasted, single-origin beans. Born from a love of coffee and an autism family’s drive to keep moving forward, they roast weekly to ensure the highest quality. Each cup fuels both a passion for great coffee and a mission to support inclusion.

Spencer’s Place

Spencer’s Place is more than a coffee shop—it’s a place with purpose. Employing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this welcoming café serves high-quality coffee while fostering inclusion and meaningful employment. With two locations in Surprise, AZ, every visit supports their mission of empowerment.

Scottsdale Public Library

The Scottsdale Public Library seeks to make its services, facilities and programs accessible to all patrons, including those who have disabilities. Among its autism-friendly features, the library offers adaptive story times to help children with sensory integration and neurodiverse challenges join in library programs.

More Autism-Friendly Services Near Scottsdale, AZ

Children’s Dental Specialty

As a special needs dentistry, Children’s Dental Specialty aims to give kids the attention they deserve. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. V received specialized training in treating patients with a wide range of physical, developmental, cognitive, medical, and emotional conditions. Dr. V and her team have the experience and knowledge to offer safe, compassionate care to all patients in order to meet their unique needs.

Hope Haircuts

Hope Haircuts is Arizona’s dedicated autism-friendly salon. The business offers sensory-friendly haircuts, private sessions, breaks, slower pace, patience, understanding, and other adjustments, as necessary for the best possible experience.

Kidtastics

Kidtastics offers swim lessons for children with autism, utilizing visual supports like iPads, photos, and schedules to aid in communication during lessons.

SafeSplash Swim School

Swimming is more than a skill—it’s the foundation for a lifetime of safety and confidence. SafeSplash Swim School provides swim lessons for all ages and abilities, including programs tailored for individuals with autism.