The mission of Arms Around ASD is to support the autism community through self-care and development of executive functioning skills promoting the growth of the community as a whole.
The idea for Arms Around ASD came about in 2013 with the notion that all family members need support when living with an autistic person. Parenting in and of itself is incredibly demanding. Add to that a family member who processes and communicates atypically and everything becomes that much more intense.
The mission of Arms Around ASD is to support the autism community through self-care and development of executive functioning skills, promoting the growth of the community as a whole. Arms is unique in that we provide services for autistic people regardless of age, ability or income AND their families, care providers, support staff and other professionals (teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, etc) who work with them. Everyone who provides services for AAASD is a volunteer. From our acupuncturist to our Zumba instructor, front desk person to executive director, we all have our arms around autism spectrum disorder. Arms is one giant hug to families who seek our services.
In 2014 we received our nonprofit status and with a volunteer staff of three we saw our first clients (two families) in January 2015. Grants, donations and fundraisers have taken Arms to the next level providing more hours and varieties of therapies, reaching more families and a freestanding center at 191 Charlotte Street. As of the end of 2019, we have 50 volunteers providing 30 unique services for the over 600 people on our mailing list.
From January 2015 to March 2017 Arms Around ASD provided all services at no charge. As of April 1, 2017 we are suggesting a donation for services based on 10% of the market value of the service. Clients who are unable to make a monetary donation may contribute by fulfilling one of the items on the list below. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute.
Sweat Equity Possibilities
Clean a bathroom
Vacuum an office
Wash a floor
Do some laundry (Must return next morning)
Clean glass doors or baseboards
Paint a room
Paint trim
Prep a room for painting
Come in early and set up mats for yoga
Have another idea? Tell us about it!
Some jobs are kid friendly, it depends on the job, depends on the kid. Let’s discuss it.
Suggested Donation (10% of Market Value OR $25/month unlimited services excluding massage)
Acupuncture $8
All Classes $3
Chiropractor $6
Cranial Sacral $5
Dentist $8
Dr. Janet $7.50
Dry Needling $4
Esthetician (pamper treatments) $6
Foot Rubs $4
Friends Group $3 session plus $20 materials fee
Jyorei $4
Massage Therapy or Massage Instruction $8
Mindfulness Coaching $6
Nurse Practitioner $5
Pet Therapy $3
Psychotherapy with Martha $15
Reiki $5
Relationship Coaching $6
Stop-Motion Animation Creation $5/session
Supportive Counseling with Michele $10
Transitions Navigation $4/session
We now located at the Asheville Mall 3 Tunnel Road, Suite L-40, Asheville, NC 28805
Office phone (828) 424-7604
armsaroundasd@gmail.com
To RSVP for group classes & workshops, reiki, foot rubs, facials & Jyorei, dentist, nurse practitioner, dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, mindfulness & relationship coaching, most massage – Jenn Hartzog 734-478-0761 or jennhartzog@gmail.com
To schedule pet therapy, stop-motion animation creation workshops, massage with Travis or to sell your art in the boutique – Michele Louzon 828-775-8622 or armsaroundasd@gmail.com
To donate to Big Hug Boutique – Jenny Zimmerman 828-772-0275 or jzimmermanbighug@gmail.com
Schedule with Dr. Janet directly at 607-368-0470 or Dr.Janet@wncnaturopathicmedicine.com
To talk with Gretchen Levine, transitions navigator – 301-639-4399 or gretchen@ericlevineassociates.com
For questions about Autistics United or Autistic Teens United – Danny Landry at 828-206-4418 or wncautisticsunited@gmail.com
For anything related to social media – Cara Carlson avlareahappenings@gmail.com or Michele Louzon 828-775-8622 armsaroundasd@gmail.com