Community Resources
Sensory Tool House, LLC is committed to helping you find the resources you need for you or those you care for. We will continue to update this list as we find resources with a focus on neurodiversity.
We do not endorse or advocate for any specific treatments. We do believe that everyone has the right to explore options in our community that best support them.
If you know of a resource or would like a resource added to this list, please contact us.
Financial Resoureces
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) is a federal Act which authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs so individuals with disabilities can save and invest money without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits.
Plus One Foundation offers resources to those affected by neurological conditions and educates the community about related issues.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits.
Disability support for individuals in Washington State
The Developmental Disabilities Administration has a variety of programs and services for Washington State residents with developmental disabilities.
A Gift for Special Children is a non-profit organization which helps families who have special needs children in Mason County, Washington.
Main message line 360-427-7058
The Ben's Fund Mission is to provide support to children and young adults with autism through financial assistance and guidance. Washington State Residents.
This non-profit offers financial products and services to support those with disabilities in Washington and Oregon states. There are a variety of programs open to all disabilities and all ages.
Education
Child Find, in coordination with school districts, locates children who are potentially eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and links them with needed services. Preschool-12th grade
Information regarding special education in Washington State.
Lettuce Learn is an innovative test prep service that aims to effectively nullify the disadvantages that neurodivergent students experience in preparing for and taking standardized tests.
A first-of-its-kind inclusive college program for students with intellectual disabilities in the state of California.
The University of Washington READi Lab focuses on conducting research related to early identification and intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is also referred to as autism. Our work is important because we know early intervention and detection can change the lives of those impacted by autism.
Sensory Room Grant Funding
Walmart Spark Grant for Communities
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, works to support individuals and families in need. They provide a variety of grants and services to help improve families’ economic and social well-being.
A foundation that provides resources to organizations focused on improving health, and support individuals who lack basic needs.
The Christopher Douglas Hidden Angel Foundation focuses on creating and promoting multisensory environments. They also help fund accessible spaces, making sure more people can benefit from these kinds of experiences.
A resource for writing grants around sensory rooms.
A foundation that provides educational and financial support to families affected by autism.
SensoryOne helps others apply for grants free of cost.
Provides grants for schools and school districts.
Adult/Family/Caregiver Support
All families caring for someone with special needs will receive the support and resources they need to feel empowered, encouraged and supported. Grays, Mason and Thurston Counties.
FESS works to inspire healthy child development through the provision of quality family support services.
This agency provides over 4,000 parents, children, and survivors of violence with coordinated, supportive services in one centralized location.
They offer direct service youth programs, mobilize communities through coalitions, advocate for healthier laws, norms and systems and promote health through community and individual education.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services parent and child health services provide multiple community resources for you and your family.
The Autism Society of Washington is a community and resource to connect everyone in the Autism community with the support they need.
EFMP Family Support offers specialized assistance to EFMP families (both on and off-base) with access to care, school support with special education and accommodations, federal and state benefits (i.e. Social Security) and Medicaid waivers for respite, as well as inclusive and specialized recreation opportunities.
Canine Companions is a national organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to the recipient.
Their mission is to promote and nurture early learning communities where children and families thrive.
They grow and sustain resources for children and adults on the autism spectrum, their parents and families, and our larger community.
Information regarding services for children birth to three who may show developmental delays or disabilities.
Autism Empowerment is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults and families within autistic and neurodivergent communities. We promote a culture of Autism Acceptance and believe that each one of us has gifts and talents to make the world a better place. Wherever you identify in your life journey, Autism Empowerment is here to meet you along the way with acceptance, enrichment, inspiration, and empowerment for the road ahead.
Thurston County Inclusion was founded in 2019 with the goal to bring youth (ages 5 through 21) with and without intellectual disabilities together for year round engagement in order to support peer connections and relationships. Some example programs that we will run include summer camps that are accessible and inclusive, programs to form mentorships between older and younger people with disabilities, and be a general location for peers to connect.
They work to expand access to healthcare, education and services for people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington State.
Vocational
Provides employment services to individuals with disabilities and other significant barriers to employment. They may employ individuals in one of the several Morningside operated businesses or assist individuals with disabilities and other significant barriers to employment with community employment.
Trillium Employment Services is a nonprofit organization committed to integrating people with intellectual disabilities into the workforce.
Residential and Vocational Rehabilitation Program for customers with developmental disabilities. EFI's Vocational Services is able to make a quality match between an employer's needs and our customer's abilities. Many employers contact EFI when they are looking for qualified employees to fill a need at their business.
Inclusively’s Retain is workplace management platform.
"Accommodations, modifications and opportunities for workplace personalization."
"A workforce development program designed to promote diversity in hiring and create an inclusive workplace culture in which not just autistic adults, but all employees can thrive. " -Autism Speaks
Personalized coaching and support with every day-to-day tasks.
"Our goal is to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their cognitive processing styles, have an opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to Microsoft’s success." -Microsoft
Passionate career and life coaching. Personable 1:1 coaching available.
Psychologist, Counselors, Mental Health - WA State
If you or anyone you know needs help NOW(available 24/7) call or text, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services has resources to help support you or someone you love.
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services has provided resources to support caregivers and educators learn about social media safety, cyberbullying and online safety.
Dr. Sara Woods provides neurodiversity-affirming assessments of autism, ADHD, learning, anxiety, trauma, gifted and highly capable, and more.
Dr. Barta’s expertise in neuropsychological assessment and understanding of brain functioning turns heads. She was the recipient of the School Psychologist of the Year in Delaware and now uses her knowledge to help families and adults understand what is happening, why, and what to do.
At SYNC, we believe that success comes after strong relationships are built. This is through trust and honoring personal interests and needs. When we reframe our understanding of what is "typical" and what is not, we can truly begin to accept individual differences. We foster approaches that allows a child to come as they are and be as they are. Here at SYNC we strive to provide services that promote positive mental health and overall well being.
Therapists in Washington who specialize in working with clients who are neurodivergent.
Therapist in Washington State.
Therapists in Seattle, Washington who specialize in working with clients who are on the autism spectrum.
NAMI Lewis County is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Our members include families, friends, and those individuals with the lived experience of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia, schizo-affective, bipolar disorder (manic depression), major (clinical) depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and general anxiety disorder.
Occupational and Speech Therapists
At SYNC, we believe that success comes after strong relationships are built. This is through trust and honoring personal interests and needs. When we reframe our understanding of what is "typical" and what is not, we can truly begin to accept individual differences. We foster approaches that allows a child to come as they are and be as they are. Here at SYNC we strive to provide services that promote positive mental health and overall well being.
Therapeutic Beginnings is dedicated to meeting the pediatric occupational and speech therapy needs of families in the South Sound region.
They offer home-based pediatric occupational therapy to families who would otherwise not be able to access optimal support due to limited funds, insufficient or nonexistent insurance, difficulty with transportation, etc. Therapy is offered at no cost to the families served. Anybody can contact the program, or their local Elks therapist, to assess whether the program would be a good fit for their child or young adult (ages 0-21).
Provides individualized and Holistic care for all ages.
Provides speech therapy services that are holistic, strengths-based, and identity-affirming to all individuals.
Discovering Expression Speech and Language is a private practice servicing the pediatric community with speech therapy services from birth to 18 years old. Our goal is to provide play based and child focused speech services that will allow all our patients to reach their speech and language goals!
Cornerstone Center for Development is committed to providing outpatient pediatric speech, occupational, physical, behavioral, and mental health therapies to children and adolescents in our region.
Located in Centralia, WA
Medical Resources
The Centralia Police Department (CPD) is pleased to announce the introduction of Project Guardian. This program was developed to help keep your loved one with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including autism, safe.
As of 2023, Police Departments of Centralia, Yakima, and Pasco in WA offer this service.
Be prepared for any emergency by giving public safety the information they need to better help and communicate with you and your family.
The Olympia Free Clinic is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides medical, mental health, and specialty care services to uninsured and underinsured adults (18+) at no cost to the patient.
All the information you and your child need to understand your child’s condition and to participate in treatment.
Support for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders in the South Sound.
UW Autism Center - Institue on Human Develpment and Disability
Caring for autistic individuals and their families through exceptional clinical services, innovative scientific research and high-quality training.
They have recently published an educational guide on dental care for children with autism. Children with autism are likely to suffer many more oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and dental injury than children without autism. On top of that, sensory sensitivities also make effective oral hygiene routines and visits to the dentist challenging.
Mary Bridge Children's has a page dedicated to resources for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, feeding, hearing and vision impairment, mental health, autism and more.
County Resources
A variety of community services lists and directories for Thurston County.
A variety of community services lists and directories for Mason County.
A variety of community service lists and directories for Kitsap County.
A variety of community service lists and directories for Grays Harbor County
Recreation & Museums
HOCM is located in Olympia. The museum offers a Sensory Friendly Room on the weekends. On Sundays families can participate in Sensory Friendly Hour before the museum opens and stay for Art Time in the Sensory Friendly Room.
TRL isn't only about books. Here you can check out Assistive Devices, learn code or a new language, do test prep for college or careers, and more. They offer a variety of sensory supportive classes and events as well.
Mission: At Autism Acres we want to build an environment where families with special needs kids can see the Hope and Joy of Christ, feel safe, meet others, have fun, and build a community where we can all share life together. Where special needs people and their families will feel just that; special. Here at Autism Acres we desire for all people to feel loved, wanted, seen, and heard. Come here to play and stick around to connect. This is a place for special needs families to connect and belong, Where your kids can feel safe to be who they are and you don't have to apologize for who your kids are.
They encourage community members to EXPLORE animals and plants in their local estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater meet. We CONNECT people of all ages to what is unique about this delicate, vibrant ecosystem. Our educational opportunities INSPIRE individuals to take better care of our shared natural resources. Sensory Hour at the Estuarium is the second Saturday of every month at 10am. Registration required.
The Center provides field trip opportunities, supplemental classroom activities, and summer camps, all aimed at sharing the beauty and uniqueness of the Nisqually Estuary and learning the values of conservation, particularly with regard to South Puget Sound. Their mission is to promote the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the Nisqually Estuary through education, interpretation, and community science.
Their mission is to engage children, and the people who care for them, in playful, creative, hands-on exploration and discovery.
They offer sensory borrow kits and more to support your visit.
This Federal Way sensory gym provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development.
Yelm Cinemas provides a sensory friendly movie time where theater lights are brought up a little so the entire room can be seen, while making the big screen lighting not so bright. The sound is also turned down a bit for those sensitive to loud noises.
South Sound Dance Access fosters a healthy and resilient community in the South Puget Sound through ensuring access to dance, movement, and the performing arts for people of all ages, as a means of mental and physical health, creative expression, and community building.
LEGO aftermarket reseller for minifigures, sets, bricks, and accessories. Also available to host parties!
Gabi's carries a wide array of comic books, graphic novels, board and card games, role-playing games, toys, and collectibles.
Exploration for All is a program outside of regular hours when the center is open for families with a member on the autism spectrum. Admission is free.
Mission: At Autism Acres we want to build an environment where families with special needs kids can see the Hope and Joy of Christ, feel safe, meet others, have fun, and build a community where we can all share life together. Where special needs people and their families will feel just that; special. Here at Autism Acres we desire for all people to feel loved, wanted, seen, and heard. Come here to play and stick around to connect. This is a place for special needs families to connect and belong, Where your kids can feel safe to be who they are and you don't have to apologize for who your kids are.
Spectrum Life Magazine is a grassroots neurodivergent-led community publication.
Learn More
Assistive Technology
This grant funded program will serve over 1,000 participants between March 2025 and October 2026.
Each participant will be eligible for up to $1800.00 in assistive technology devices to support access to education, employment, and community, along with training and support on using that assistive technology.
Each participant will also be enrolled in digital literacy training that will be customized to their level. Sensory Tool House has been designing and facilitating accessible digital literacy training over the last few years, and we are excited to continue to bring that to the communities around us. We will continue to partner with the Thurston County Chamber to support this robust program.
All of this will be provided at no cost to the participants, including the one-one training on the assistive technology. Participants will also have a support phone number and email to receive ongoing tech support when needed during business hours.
Be part of a mission-driven event where therapists, special education instructors, caregivers, students, and accessibility advocates come together to learn,
collaborate, and create functional, attainable assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.
Every 4th Tuesday of the month
6:00–8:00 PM
12550 Aurora Avenue N.
Seattle, WA 98133
These are 90-minute, hands-on lab sessions held three Tuesdays each month at the PROVAIL Assistive TechnologyLab. Led by trained Assistive Technology Specialists, these sessions provide the opportunity to learn about, try, and receive personalized recommendations for assistive tools and adaptive technologies that support digital access, including intersections with communication and mobility.
The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology, also known as AT. AT helps make tasks easier or possible in school, at work, at home, and in the community. WATAP serves seniors and persons with disabilities, and their circle of support, including family members, caregivers, employers, service provider professionals, educators, and others seeking AT expertise.
Member
Member of Thurston County Chamber of Commerce
Member
Member of the Washington Retail Association
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