What is neuroDIVERSEcity?
neuroDIVERSEcity is an autistic‑led coalition created by Autistic Pride Chattanooga, GCA, and NeuroQueer Chattanooga. We are working together to build a more accessible Chattanooga, where autistic and otherwise neurodiverse people can exist safely, comfortably, and “unmasked.” We believe accessibility is not a checklist. It is a culture, a way of showing up, and a commitment to dignity.
A major part of our work is education. All of our materials are created by autistic people and reflect what our community wants Chattanooga to understand about communication, sensory needs, “unmasking,” and the shift from assimilation to accommodation. This education is practical and grounded in lived experience. It is written for the general public and avoids clinical language.
We also offer a local business endorsement program. When a business is endorsed through neuroDIVERSEcity, it means the people who work in that space have shown they can serve an underserved part of our community. Endorsement reflects the culture of the space, the way people communicate, and their willingness to adapt so autistic and neurodiverse people can participate without pressure to “mask.” It can also reflect, when relevant, a willingness to employ autistic people in ways that support “unmasked” participation.
neuroDIVERSEcity is not a certification. It is a public commitment to creating spaces where neurodiverse people are welcomed as themselves.
Endorsed neuroDIVERSEcity Businesses
The businesses listed here have met the standards of the neuroDIVERSEcity program. Each one has shown a real commitment to accessibility, “unmasked” belonging, and meaningful collaboration with autistic adults. These spaces have demonstrated, through their actions, that autistic and neurodiverse people are welcomed, supported, and able to participate as customers, community members, and, when relevant, as employees.
Disclaimer: neuroDIVERSEcity endorsements apply only to the subjective nature of accessibility, culture, and “unmasked” belonging demonstrated by a business. Our endorsement does not cover health department certifications, professional licenses, regulatory compliance, Better Business Bureau ratings, or any other external requirements. If you have a concern related to licensing, safety, or regulatory compliance, please contact the appropriate authority for that issue. After doing so, we welcome a consideration to let us know about the concern so we can review the business’s standing within the neuroDIVERSEcity program.
Spectrum Tattoo is the first business endorsed through the neuroDIVERSEcity program. The name is intentional: the majority of the artists identify as “on the spectrum,” and the shop’s culture reflects that lived experience. Spectrum Tattoo offers accommodations such as dimmed lighting (artists can use a headlamp), quieter or louder environments depending on sensory needs, breaks as needed, and full acceptance of stimming. Communication and consent are central to every session, and artists work directly with clients to ensure they can participate comfortably and “unmasked.”
Stay Sharp Barber Shop has been a trusted and popular space for autistic and neurodivergent community members for years. Patti meets clients exactly where they are — on the floor, standing and stimming, walking around, or seated in the chair. If you have hair, Patti can cut it. She adapts the environment, pace, and process to each person’s needs, and she does so without judgment or pressure to “mask.” Her approach is grounded in communication, consent, and respect for self‑accommodation, making Stay Sharp Barber Shop a reliable and affirming option for autistic and neurodivergent people across Chattanooga.
Why neuroDIVERSEcity Matters
Most public spaces are not designed with autistic or neurodivergent people in mind. Sensory overload, unclear expectations, inaccessible communication, and stigma can make it hard for many of us to take part in everyday community life.
neuroDIVERSEcity works to change this. We name what accessibility actually looks like for autistic people. We support businesses as they make meaningful and sustainable changes. We help increase visibility for spaces that welcome neurodiverse people. And we work to shift Chattanooga’s culture toward dignity and “unmasked” belonging.
This initiative makes it clear that autistic people are not an afterthought. We are leaders, culture‑builders, and partners in shaping a more accessible city.
What We Look For
Our standards are rooted in autistic experience and community feedback. We look for spaces that show they understand and support the needs of neurodiverse people in everyday ways.
Sensory‑considerate environments Spaces that pay attention to lighting, sound, layout, and flexibility so people can regulate comfortably.
Clear communication Direct information, predictable processes, and more than one way to interact or ask for help.
Respect for self‑accommodation Acceptance of stimming, movement, AAC, quiet space use, and any tools or strategies people use to regulate.
Staff openness and willingness to learn Not expertise — just respect, curiosity, and accountability in everyday interactions.
Commitment to “unmasked” belonging Environments where autistic people do not have to hide, perform, or suppress who we are.
A willingness to employ autistic people, when relevant This is not required or central, but it can be one sign of a broader commitment to accessibility and “unmasked” participation.
These standards continue to evolve as our community grows and as we learn from autistic people across Chattanooga.
How neuroDIVERSEcity Works
- A business expresses interest or is nominated by a community member.
- We meet with the business to understand their environment, needs, and goals.
- We share autistic‑led guidance, including education created by autistic adults and shaped by lived experience.
- The business makes changes that align with our shared goals and demonstrates those changes in practice.
- We endorse the space publicly once it reflects accessibility and “unmasked” belonging.
- We maintain ongoing communication to support the business as part of our shared work.
This process is collaborative. We approach each business with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to accessibility.
Education
neuroDIVERSEcity offers two things: a list of endorsed businesses and education about autistic people for the general public. All of our education is created by autistic adults and grounded in lived experience. It reflects what autistic people want Chattanooga to understand about communication, sensory needs, “unmasking,” and the shift from assimilation to accommodation.
Businesses that participate in neuroDIVERSEcity show their commitment by being willing to receive this education, whether that’s the owner, a manager, or employees. The content is practical, accessible, and rooted in everyday autistic life. It focuses on what helps autistic people participate comfortably and “unmasked.” It is not clinical or diagnostic. It is community‑built education created by us, about us, for anyone who wants to understand how to create spaces where autistic people can exist without pressure to “mask.”
Nominate a Business or Become a neuroDIVERSEcity Partner
Businesses and community members are welcome to nominate a business, workplace, or community setting for neuroDIVERSEcity endorsement. You can use our nomination form or contact us directly — whichever works best for you.
Any business that provides a good or service can be considered. This includes home repair services, retail shops, veterinary clinics, salons and barbershops, cafés, studios, medical or wellness practices, and other community‑facing spaces.
Our endorsement focuses on the people who shape the environment. We look at how staff, leadership, and decision‑makers create a culture of accessibility, respect, and “unmasked” belonging. A space becomes neuroaffirming because the people within it choose to learn, adapt, and support neurodiverse community members.
Nominations help us begin a collaborative process of understanding how a business’s people show up, communicate, and commit to autistic‑affirming practices.
What Your Support Makes Possible
neuroDIVERSEcity is part of a growing coalition of autistic‑led nonprofits in Chattanooga. This work is shared by Autistic Pride Chattanooga, GCA, and NeuroQueer Chattanooga, and it is shaped by autistic leadership across all three organizations. Support for neuroDIVERSEcity strengthens the coalition’s ability to develop clear, accessible standards, create education rooted in lived experience, meet with businesses and community partners, and expand endorsements across the city.
If you want to support this work, you can reach out to Autistic Pride Chattanooga to learn more about partnership, volunteering, or community involvement. We also welcome contact from other neurodiverse organizations that would like to join the coalition or collaborate on shared goals. This work grows through relationships, shared learning, and the commitment of people who want to help build a Chattanooga where autistic people can participate without pressure to “mask.”
