Autistic-led nonprofit · Charlotte, NC
Empowering Autistic youth worldwide.
Autistic Youth International is dedicated to advocacy, support, community outreach and creating opportunities for Autistic youth, through inclusive books, sensory-friendly events and a community where young people are represented and celebrated.
1,500+
inclusive books donated
Our mission
Representation matters because we live it.
Founded by Rebecca Tarrant, an Autistic person and the mother of an Autistic child, Autistic Youth International (formerly Autism Kids) began as a local effort to increase representation and community for Autistic children.
Today we are all Autistic, and our work is shaped by lived experience, advocacy and a shared commitment to ensuring Autistic youth are represented and included in their communities.
Read our storyOur work
Support, representation and community.
From inclusive book donations to our annual Neurodiversity Pride Day, everything we do creates space for Autistic youth.
Inclusive Book Donations
Books featuring Autistic and Disabled characters, delivered to Title I schools, book deserts and Little Free Libraries across Charlotte.
Sensory-Friendly Events
Our annual Neurodiversity Pride Day festival and sensory areas at partner events give Autistic youth and families space to belong.
Advocacy & Outreach
Autistic voices speaking up for representation, accessibility and inclusion, in local media, schools and community spaces.
International Philanthropy
Supporting Autistic youth beyond borders, including book giving and partnerships in Uganda, Paris and the Netherlands.
Our impact
Creating change, from Charlotte to Uganda.
- Inclusive books donated
- 1,500+
- Annual sensory-friendly festival
- 5th
- Countries reached: USA, Uganda, France, Netherlands
- 4
- Autistic-led
- 100%
Upcoming event
Save the date: June 12, 2027
Vendor Signups Are NOW OPEN!
5th Annual Festival & Pop-Up Market for Autism
Autistic Youth International is accepting vendors for its 5th Annual Festival & Pop-Up Market for Autism. This FREE, sensory-friendly festival celebrates Neurodiversity Pride Day and brings the community together for an inclusive experience.
- Saturday, June 12, 2027
- Keith Family YMCA, 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
Our community
Moments that make us proud.
Festivals, book drives, sensory spaces and the people who make them happen.
Help Autistic youth be seen, celebrated and included.
Every gift puts an inclusive book in a child's hands and keeps our sensory-friendly events free.