Letter: IC Autism Community grateful for support

The Iowa City Autism Community (autismiowacity.org) would like to extend its deep appreciation to the local businesses and organizations that were willing to partner with us to provide autism-friendly events this summer. Many neuro-typical people take for granted being able to go the library, pool, bowling and other fun activities over the summer. For many autistic people and their families, the crowds, noise, unpredictability and judgments of others are a prohibitive barrier to enjoying the resources our community has to offer.

This summer, AirFX Trampoline Park, Bloomsbury Farm, Brush and Barrel, Colonial Lanes, Iowa City Public Library, Iowa Gym-Nest, North Liberty Community Library and the UI Campus Recreation and Wellness Center showed their willingness to accommodate the needs of autistic people and their families so that they could have fun and get out into the community comfortably.

We also had the support of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Autism Center and the East Central Iowa Autism Society in sponsoring some of these events. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this community a little more accepting and inclusive of folks on the autism spectrum and their families.

Dina Bishara

Iowa City Autism Community