Bay Area Autism-Friendly Businesses You Should Know About

Identifying businesses that are friendly towards autism can be very helpful to families. Fortunately, the Bay Area has several organizations, businesses, and venues that strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for persons with autism and their families.

Below are some autism friendly businesses in the Bay Area that appreciate accessibility, patience and other sensory considerations.

1️⃣ AMC Theatres – Sensory-Friendly Screenings

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, AMC Theatres throughout Bay Area provide sensory-friendly screenings for movies. While the show is on, the lights are dimmed, but not completely, the volume is lowered, and everyone is free to move, speak, or just sit quietly without any form of judgment- including children.

• Pro Tip: Check their website to find the nearest participating location.

2️⃣ Magical Bridge Playgrounds

Magical Bridge Playgrounds are found in Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Morgan Hill and are built for children of every ability. These playgrounds feature sensory play regions, quiet zones, and even adapted swings – all meant to allow children to enjoy themselves in a secure and playful setting.

• Why It’s Autism-Friendly: Thoughtful design ensures accessibility and comfort for children with sensory needs.

3️⃣ San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco zoo provides family sensory maps to help locate quiet zones within the park and avoid overly stimulating areas. The zoo also provides children with an engaging combination of animal outdoor exhibits and gardens which serves different sensory needs.

• Pro Tip: Visit during weekdays for a calmer experience and consider bringing noise-canceling headphones for louder exhibits.

4️⃣ Sensory Friendly Pediatric Dentistry – Dr. Nilofer Khan (San Mateo)

Searching for the ideal dentist can be challenging for those with autism, but Dr. Nilofer Khan has achieved fantastic results while treating children with autism. She possesses a gentle and welcoming demeanor and focuses on lessening the stress and sensory overload children traditionally feel when going to the dentist.

• Why It’s Autism-Friendly: Staff are patient and trained in working with children with sensory sensitivities.

5️⃣ The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

At the museum, there are Sensory-Friendly Play Sessions meant for children with autism and sensory processing disorders. These events feature modified lighting, sound, and a less crowded space that caters to the needs of the whole family.

• Pro Tip: Visit during these designated times for a more relaxed experience.

6️⃣ Sky High Sports (Santa Clara)

Sky High Sports gives back to the community by having 'Special Needs Tuesdays' which provides children with autism or any special needs to experience the trampoline park in a more friendly environment. The park lowers the lights and music, and the staff is trained to help kids who are neurodiverse.

• Why It’s Autism-Friendly: A fun, active way for kids to engage in a judgment-free zone.

7️⃣ Whole Foods Market – Quiet Shopping Hours (Select Locations)

A few Whole Foods branches in the Bay Area have started doing quiet shopping hours so that people with sensory issues may be catered to. During this time, music is turned off, checkout beeping is done at a lower volume, and the lights are dimmed.

• Pro Tip: Call your local Whole Foods to ask if they offer this service.

8️⃣ Habitot Children’s Museum (Berkeley)

This interactive museum offers a unique sensory-friendly environment tailored for younger children. The staff knows how to work with kids who have autism, and at certain times, the museum sets aside special hours to accommodate children with autism.

• Why It’s Autism-Friendly: Smaller crowds and calming spaces make it perfect for kids with sensory needs.

9️⃣ Books Inc. (Bay Area Locations)

Books Inc., a regional independent bookstore chain, is known for its inclusivity for children with disabilities, including children on the autism spectrum. Employees are understanding, and some of the stores even conduct tailored storytime sessions for neurodivergent children.

• Pro Tip: Check their website for autism-friendly storytime schedules at specific locations.

🔟 Autism-Friendly Haircuts – Snip-its (Fremont)

Snip-its has managed to help children who are sensitive to sensory experiences such as haircuts by providing a fun and calm environment with stylists who understand how to work with neurodiverse children.

• Why It’s Autism-Friendly: The salon is designed with sensory sensitivities in mind, offering a patient and flexible experience.

Takeaways for Bay Area Families

The Bay Area has the highest number of businesses that cater to those with autism and understand the importance of promoting inclusivity. These businesses range from toy shops to hair salons to even dental clinics. Such businesses understand what neurodiverse families go through. Families can utilize these services to make trips out more pleasant for all.

Let’s Hear From You!

Are there any autism-friendly businesses that you think we missed in the Bay Area? If so, did you enjoy your visit at any of the places on the list? Feel free to share your experience with us and contact us; we want to hear from you!

Let us keep celebrating and supporting businesses that aim to make a positive difference for neurodiverse families in the Bay Area.