Families who understand. No explaining. No masking.
A community for families raising children on the autism spectrum. Be yourself, find things you enjoy together, and build friendships for your whole family.
Our Circle Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 41-5353017.
Why?
You already know this part.
- The birthday invitations that never came.
- The play date that ended in a meltdown.
- Eleven minutes at the park before you had to leave.
- The group chat where everyone else is comparing soccer schedules.
- The friend who means well but says, "Don't worry, they will grow out of it."
What we need is a friend we don't need to explain things to. A friend who still sends the invitation because they understand that we want to be at the event, even if we can't make it. These are the friends that you can find on Our Circle.
What families are saying.
“Our teen FINALLY has a friend like her with similar interests due to this amazing app!! We've become friends with the parents of our daughter's new friend, too. I can't begin to express how much this means to our daughter and to my family. It's years of prayers and wishes come true. Thanks a million to the amazing creators of Spectrum Circle for changing our lives for the better!”
K., Parent “Love the customizations allowing me to find families with a similar lifestyle and obstacles. The best gift I can give my kid is his own buddy.”
Tim B., Parent “We have connected with so many wonderful families in the short time this app has been available. It is so nice to have people who get it! I'm very grateful for the newfound community we have as a result of this app.”
R., Parent “This app has made me feel like my family and I are not alone in this.”
CM., Parent
Your family belongs here, just as you are.
Your enthusiasm, your preferences, and your unique way of seeing the world. Because everyone deserves a friend.
What you will find inside.
Introduce your family, share your interests, and find other families with common ground nearby.
Discover
Families near you, one at a time. Say Hi when you find a lot in common. We believe in mutual connections, so conversations start when you both say hello.
Moments
Share a new skill, a favorite outing, or everyday joyful moments with families who are happy to celebrate alongside you.
Meetups
Join or host local meetups and playdates.
Groups
Join groups based on your location or shared interests. Exchange ideas and build friendships with families who enjoy the same things.
Learn
Explore educational sessions and resources from professionals and families with a range of experiences.
Loops
Stay in the loop! Chat in live audio rooms with other families. Listen, share your perspective, and get to know your community.
Inclusive Places
Find sensory-friendly places, reviewed by families like yours
Trying somewhere new shouldn’t feel like a gamble. The Inclusive Places directory in Our Circle helps you find autism-friendly restaurants, hair salons, parks, zoos and more near you. Each listing has reviews from parents who’ve already been there.
Step 1 of 4
Explore places near you
Browse restaurants, hair salons, parks, zoos and more, all chosen with neurodivergent kids in mind.
Step 2 of 4
Know before you go
Read what other families experienced, from crowds and noise to how the staff treated their child. Then plan an outing that works for yours.
Step 3 of 4
Share your experience
After a visit, leave a review so the next family knows what to expect.
Step 4 of 4
Add a place you love
Know a spot that gets it right? Add it to the directory and help other families find it.
Tap a step to explore it.
Built by families, for families. Every review and every new place makes the next outing a little easier for someone else.
Make room for a new hello.
Download Our Circle, introduce your family, and explore the community around you.
Discover families, message your connections, and join groups for free. Circle Plus offers optional paid features.
Autism families are part of a wider Our Circle community welcoming families of children with all support needs. Shared experiences and new perspectives both have a place here. Read how the organization started.
From Spectrum Circle to Our Circle
Our story began with Spectrum Circle, an app for families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. Those roots are why this page has a special place here. Today, as Our Circle, we welcome families raising children with all support needs. Our community has grown, and so has our circle.