The Neurodivergent Creators Collective has its roots in a program of Autism Empowerment, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The program began in April 2025 and was led by program co-founder Gwyn LaRee and Autism Empowerment board member Brian Tashima. Gwyn left her role in December 2025, and in June 2026, Brian and Autism Empowerment co-founders Karen and John Krejcha decided to transition the activities of the program into its own separate nonprofit organization.
See the original program here.
Our organization has three purposes:
CRAFT: To provide neurodivergent creators with educational resources, coaching/mentoring, and practical strategies to help build and develop their artistic skills.
COMMUNITY: To provide neurodivergent creators with opportunities to connect and collaborate with peers and professionals within their artistic fields of interest.
CAREERS: To provide neurodivergent creators with realistic pathways to meaningful and fulfilling careers that utilize their artistic strengths, talent, and passion.
Our goals are:
To encourage, uplift, and empower neurodivergent artists, creators, and storytellers, meeting them where they are in their creative journey
To elevate unique and diverse voices and create a thriving space for collaboration, empowerment, and growth
To serve as a source of education, experience, and inspiration for marginalized communities
We primarily serve neurodivergent artists and creators of any experience level who are adults or older teenagers. However, an official diagnosis of neurodivergence is not required, and all are welcome to participate. We also plan to eventually expand our activities to include a younger audience.
Some of the fields and topics we support include:
Acting and the Business of Acting
Animation and Cartooning
Filmmaking
Graphic Design
Music (Production and Business)
Playwriting (for Stage)
Podcasting
Screenwriting (for Film and TV)
Storytelling for Good
Video Game Design and Production
Voice Over
Writing (Fiction and Nonfiction)
Other topics based on interest from participants and community members
Contact brian@ndcreators.org for more information!