Frequently Asked Questions

AutismCertified is a nonprofit platform that certifies businesses as autism-friendly through evidence-based training, assessments, and ongoing support. We help businesses create welcoming environments for individuals with autism and their families.

Our standards are developed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), occupational therapists, and autism self-advocates. Every module is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) best practices and real-world accessibility research.

Today, businesses create an account, pay for the selected tier, get linked training assignments, and complete the live Autism 101 baseline module. Starter is the current fully live proof flow. Certified and Advanced tiers also attach higher-tier pathways after payment, but those follow-on modules are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline. The dashboard reflects the current review, badge, and directory state honestly as each business progresses.

We offer three tiers: Starter ($299/yr) is the current fully live path tied to Autism 101 baseline proof. Certified ($999/yr) and Advanced ($2,499/yr) both attach higher-tier pathways after payment, but their broader follow-on module stacks are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline today.

Yes. We are pursuing 501(c)(3) status. 100% of certification fees fund the mission — developing training content, maintaining the directory, and making certification accessible to small businesses.

Starter businesses can move through the current live proof flow as soon as they finish Autism 101 and the linked dashboard state updates. Certified and Advanced timelines vary more right now because those higher-tier follow-on pathways are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline.

Any customer-facing business: restaurants, retail stores, dental offices, theme parks, hotels, salons, gyms, childcare centers, and more. If families visit your business, certification can help.

Our searchable online directory lets families filter by location, business type, and certification tier. Certified businesses also display a window sticker and digital badge so families can spot them instantly.

Common accommodations include sensory-friendly spaces, visual schedules, trained staff who understand communication differences, reduced sensory stimuli during certain hours, and clear signage. Specific recommendations vary by business type.

We focus on accessibility and affordability. Our AI-powered training platform reduces costs, our Starter tier makes certification reachable for small businesses, and our nonprofit model ensures every dollar funds the mission — not shareholders.