Church services often include bright lights, loud music, and large crowds. This can lead to sensory overload for autistic persons. A sensory corner or room can help provide a calming space for short breaks when needed. To help with this issue, we are launching a new initiative called Space to Belong. It’s a new program designed to help places of worship create sensory spaces for autistic individuals who may get overstimulated during services.
Space to Belong is made possible through the generous support of Waikiki Baptist Church. Because of their donation, we will bless 20 churches with the opportunity to select up to $100 in sensory supplies for their ministry.
Please note: This program is for places of worship only. Individuals and caregivers may apply for sensory tools and supports through our Cheerful Giving initiative, offered each Fall.
What are the Rules to Apply?
- Participation must be approved by the church’s Pastor.
- Your church must be located in the continental United States.
- You are not required to have a preexisting special needs ministry.
- Churches with small and large memberships can participate.
- Churches with multiple locations may apply, but a separate application is required for each one.
- This initiative primarily focuses on the Christian faith, but other religions are welcome to participate as well.
What Sensory Items Are Available?
Places of worship may select up to five items from the Amazon Wishlist, but the total cost cannot exceed $100. Examples of items on the wishlist include:
- Fidget toys
- Projector lamps
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Weighted blankets
- Bean bags
- Calming tools
- Books
- Sound machines
- And more!
Inclusion of these items on the wishlist is not an endorsement of the product’s effectiveness, quality, or safety. It also does not imply any affiliation, endorsement or association of any kind between the vendor, Amazon, and Autism Faith Network, Inc.
How do I apply?
Places of worship can apply on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. EST. A secure online registration form will be provided on our website for your convenience. Registration will remain open until funds are exhausted. Applicants will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants will need to:
- Provide church name, pastor’s name, mailing address (no P.O. boxes), email, and phone number
- Submit a short statement from your Pastor showing their support of your participation in Space to Belong
- Select items (up to $100 total) from the approved Wishlist and provide direct links.
We may request alternate selections if items exceed the budget, are unavailable, or are not on the list. A link to the wishlist will be shared closer to the launch date to give you time to review the items.
Additional Information
- We cannot hold space for incomplete applications.
- We are not responsible for shipping delays, returns, exchanges, or product quality/safety.
- Participants must complete a short follow-up survey and provide a photo of the items in use.
- Contact information is used for verification only and will not be sold or shared.
- Participants may be added to our email list for updates about future programming. Participants may opt out at any time.
- While we recognize the value of sensory spaces, we do not endorse them as a place where autistic persons should spend the entire service. Our desire is for autistic individuals to be fully integrated into worship and church life, with supportive accommodations available as needed.
If you have any questions, please send an email to: info@autismfaithnetwork.com.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with other places of worship that desire more welcoming and supportive environments. Together, we can create space to belong for people with autism and other disabilities.
Disclaimer
By participating in Space to Belong, you agree to release the Autism Faith Network, Inc. from any liability or claim with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the items you chose. We, the Participant and/or the Guardian, Release and forever discharge and hold harmless Autism Faith Network and its successors and assigns from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from participating in this initiative with the Autism Faith Network, including claims arising out of negligence.