Autism Small Business Ideas
There’s a growing trend and new business model for people on the autism spectrum: entrepreneurship. When autistic individuals and families can’t find sustainable career opportunities in the job market, they are starting their own businesses. Self-employment and small businesses have many benefits including job training, work skills development, socializing, and taking advantage of an individuals strengths and interests.
We’ve profiled several individuals and family members who have turned their autism business ideas into meaningful employment:
Food
GiveGood, Inc. – Handcrafted food products and gift baskets
Poppin Joe’s – Gourmet Kettle Korn
SMILE Biscotti – Mix, bake, package and distribution of Biscotti across U.S.
Specialty
Bike Dr. Derek – Bicycle Service & Repair
JT Firestarters – Handcrafted product that makes it easy to start a fire.
Rising Tide Car Wash – Business dedicated to employing people with autism.
Jewelry
Designs By Siri – Handcrafted jewelry—bracelets, necklace sets, and more.
KoolCharm.com – Personalized autism awareness jewelry
Toys
Happy Hands Toys – Online fidget shop
My Sibling and My Pal Dolls – dolls that help spread a message of respect and acceptance
Yes She Can – Coaching program for women with autism at Girl Again boutique
Arts and Crafts
Artists with Autism – retail gallery for autistic artists, authors and crafters to sell their work
Crafters for Life – Make and sell handcrafted products
SEEDs for Autism – vocational training program for in the arts
Starting an Autism Business
Here are training programs that are designed to step you through self-employment and starting a business:
The Autism Advantage – Program developed by the management team at Rising Tide Car Wash and University of Miami Center for Autism. It’s a self-paced, step-by-step course on how to build a financially sustainable business.
Picasso Einstein – Job creator program that teaches all aspects of self-employment for persons with disabilities and their families. The founders also produce the Trailblazing conference.
Our website at Geek Club Books is a platform for autistic voices, positive autism advocacy and education, and sharing autism resources we think you’ll want to know about. Here are additional categories we cover and questions we explore:
