10-04-2025
New business for neurodiverse children and families opens during National Autism Acceptance Month
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A new business is catering to neurodiverse children and their families in Hampshire County.
It's National Autism Acceptance Month, so this business comes at a perfect time, when more community spaces are needed for children on the autism spectrum. The residents of Easthampton saw this need in the community.
'We're seeing a clear community need for additional support, programming and education for some of our youngest residents who have a completely different way of communicating, interacting and growing in the world,' said Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor of Easthampton.
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Three women, Amy Christiansen, Suzanne Hopkins, and Sunia Hood, used their personal experience and research over the last five months to find a solution to support neurodiverse children and their families.
Right next to Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, they opened up The Neuro Bridge on Wednesday. It's an organization that aims to provide unique sensory, social, and emotional needs in an inclusive environment.
'So what we're doing on Saturdays from 1:00 to 5:00, we have a play group, its a sensory friendly play group, where we'll work with the kiddos on socializing and developmental skills, so its an opportunity for parents to step away,' said Amy Christiansen, co-founder of The Neuro Bridge.
If it gets too loud or too crowded, children can come into another room, called the Quiet Zone, where the lights are dimmed to calm their sensory system. Other rooms will be used for family consultations, caregiver support groups, and hands-on workshops for a reasonable cost.
'We're hoping to do some work with the Department of Developmental Services to help navigate how parents and families can find funding opportunities,' Christiansen said.
They'll also be working with hair salons and restaurants to train their employees on how to work with kids on the spectrum. Their goal is to make families feel comfortable going out in public no matter what.
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