Two women and a tabby cat sitting together during our pet therapy group. One young woman sits in a wheelchair with cat on her lap.

About Arms Around ASD

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.

Learn more about our organization’s journey…

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How We Got Started

The idea for Arms Around ASD came about in 2013 with the notion that everyone in the autism community needs support, not just the autistic person. Arms is unique in that we provide services 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, we all have our arms around autism spectrum disorder. Arms is one giant hug to those 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) starting in January 2015. Grants, donations and fundraisers have taken Arms to the next level, providing more hours and varieties of therapies and reaching more people.

Growing with Our Community

In 2017 we moved out of the basement and into a freestanding center on Charlotte Street. We continued to grow our services and client base, reaching 50 volunteers providing 30 unique services for the over 600 people on our mailing list.

Now located in the Asheville Mall, we have a small retail space (The Big Hug Boutique) which sells curated thrift and arts and crafts of the autism community. In addition, clients can get work experience by volunteering in the boutique. As of Spring 2025, we have 45 services provided by 85 volunteers with 1800 participants.

Being an affordable resource has always been a cornerstone of Arms. From January 2015 to March 2017, we provided all services at no charge. Once we moved into our new location, we started asking for donations for services. To ensure that everyone can access our services, we request donations at 10% of the market value. Clients who are unable to make a monetary donation may contribute by volunteering. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute.

Our Location, Services, and How to Reach Us

We are now located at the Asheville Mall.

3 Tunnel Road, Suite L-40
Asheville, NC 28805

Office Phone
CLICK HERE

Office Email
CLICK HERE

Important Contacts

Jenn Hartzog

To RSVP for group classes & workshops, reiki, foot rubs, facials & Jyorei, dentist, nurse practitioner, dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, mindfulness & relationship coaching, most massage.

PHONE
EMAIL

Michele Louzon

To schedule pet therapy, stop-motion animation creation workshops, massage with Travis or to sell your art in the boutique. Social media inquiries may also go to Michele.

P HONE
EMAIL