Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about the current AutismCertified launch state, pricing, training, and certification path.
What is AutismCertified?+
AutismCertified is a mission-driven platform building an autism-friendly business certification system. Today, the live product includes pricing, signup, checkout, training assignment, dashboard progress, and the current Autism 101 baseline proof flow while the broader certification program continues to expand.
Who created the certification standards?+
AutismCertified is shaping its standards around autism-support practice, accessibility research, family-centered service design, and operational verification. The live launch state is intentionally narrower than the full long-term standards vision, and public pages are being kept aligned to what is currently implemented.
How does the certification process work?+
Today, businesses create an account, pay for the selected tier, get linked training assignments, and complete the live Autism 101 baseline module. Starter is the current fully live proof flow. Certified and Advanced tiers also attach higher-tier pathways after payment, but those follow-on modules are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline. The dashboard reflects the current review, badge, and directory state honestly as each business progresses.
What are the certification tiers?+
We offer three tiers: Starter ($299/yr) is the current fully live path tied to Autism 101 baseline proof. Certified ($999/yr) and Advanced ($2,499/yr) both attach higher-tier pathways after payment, but their broader follow-on module stacks are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline today.
Is AutismCertified a nonprofit?+
Not yet. AutismCertified is pursuing 501(c)(3) status. Until that process is complete, the honest claim is that the organization is operating with a nonprofit mission and intends certification revenue to support training, standards development, directory infrastructure, and family-focused accessibility work.
How long does certification take?+
Starter businesses can move through the current live proof flow as soon as they finish Autism 101 and the linked dashboard state updates. Certified and Advanced timelines vary more right now because those higher-tier follow-on pathways are still expanding beyond the live Autism 101 baseline.
What types of businesses can get certified?+
Any customer-facing business: restaurants, retail stores, dental offices, theme parks, hotels, salons, gyms, childcare centers, and more. If families visit your business, certification can help.
How do families find certified businesses?+
The directory experience is live, but AutismCertified is keeping it honest until real businesses are ready to publish. Families can use the directory once listings go live, and eligible businesses will also receive badge assets and signage as part of the verified publication workflow.
What accommodations do certified businesses implement?+
Common accommodations include sensory-friendly spaces, visual schedules, trained staff who understand communication differences, reduced sensory stimuli during certain hours, and clear signage. Specific recommendations vary by business type.
How is AutismCertified different from IBCCES?+
AutismCertified is building for a more operational, more affordable path for small and midsize businesses. The current live difference is a simpler startup path, a lower-cost Starter tier, and a product posture that is being kept tightly aligned to what is actually implemented today rather than padded with broader launch claims.