Makerspace
Neurodiversity-Affirming Community Arts Events
Under Wing’s Makerspace is a pop-up therapeutic arts event for Autistic children and families in Asheville, NC to play, belong, imagine, create, connect, and celebrate neurodiversity!
Each Makerspace event invites a small group of Autistic children ages 7-10 (and their parent or caregiver) to engage in a full afternoon of community art activities with self-paced breaks, appropriate accommodations, and supportive facilitation from a licensed psychotherapist.
We use BIG cardboard boxes, simple, kid-safe tools and art supplies, along with recycled and found materials, to make some serious creative magic happen. Each event has a theme as a jumping off point, but we won’t limit your creativity. Past participants have built life-sized unicorns, time machines, stuffed animal and doll palaces, pirate ships, aquariums, cat castles, robot costumes, and more!
“You did an amazing job reducing barriers in a way I have not seen in the past. Thank you!”
“It is SO nice to have a positive, supportive time with other kids and families who ‘get it.’ My son looks forward to this time constantly.”
“Love the space for creative play in a place that feels safe and respects boundaries!”
Inclusion matters! At Makerspace, we are building a culture where Autistic children are loved and accepted for exactly who they are. Here, it is fun to unmask and easy to belong because the emotional, sensory, and social needs of Autistic children aren’t “special,” but centered as the norm. We are proudly neurodiversity-affirming: we embrace ALL of the ways humans sense, feel, think, socialize, create, move, play, and communicate. Ableism, racism, sexism, transphobia and other forms of bullying are NOT welcome to our party!
We center the needs of Autistic children ages 7-10; however, formal diagnosis is not a requirement to participate. Many children at Makerspace are self-diagnosed or pre-diagnosis, highly sensitive (HSP), ADHD, anxious, multiply disabled, and/or gifted, as well as having Autistic traits. Children with accessibility needs and those who have struggled in school or traditional extracurricular settings are welcomed with open arms. We would love to accommodate your family! You belong here!
Makerspace’s founder and facilitator, Danielle Maxonight, LCSW is a fully licensed child and family therapist. Danielle also has a BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 20 years of experience working therapeutically and artistically with children.
Want to do a Makerspace deep-dive?!
Our Community Agreements:
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I agree to protect myself, the community, and the venue. I agree to guide and co-regulate my child toward this end.
I agree that this is a “brave space,” where all forms of discrimination are respectfully but firmly challenged. There is no place in our community for unchecked racism, ableism, classism, neurodiscrimination, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, or any other “ism.” I agree to be open to feedback and dialogue on these topics and to support my child’s development in this area.
I will not ask anyone to give eye contact, as this can be physically painful for some autistic people.
I will not ask anyone to “mask” (suppress autistic traits), as masking contributes to anxiety, depression, and suicide in autistic people.
I agree to respect others’ privacy by not disclosing the participation of other children/families with those outside Makerspace without their explicit permission.
I agree to only bring kid-safe, easy clean-up, “dry” art materials (no Exacto blades or carving knifes, Elmer’s glue, paint, markers, clay, etc.) in order to protect the community and the venue. If in doubt, ask Danielle.
I agree to reinforce with my child any specific boundaries set by the facilitators and any posted rules at the event.
I agree to allow all children free, consistent, unconditional, and easy access to their personal regulation tools without judgement.
I agree to follow CDC safety protocols with regard to COVID-19 and to stay home if any of my family members are sick. Masks are optional but welcomed; use your personal discretion.
I agree that Under Wing Therapeutic Services PLLC (Danielle Maxonight, LCSW) is NOT liable for any injury or illness incurred, physically or psychologically, to myself or my child, during orientation or the Makerspace event.
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I agree that at least one adult caregiver who has reviewed the online orientation will watch over and guide my child at all times during Makerspace; this is not a drop-off situation.
I agree to allow my child to take breaks 1:1 with me to decompress as needed. I will not leave my child unsupervised when they are shutting down, melting down, upset, or overstimulated.
I agree to follow the “traffic light” social badge system as described in orientation to respect each participant’s boundaries and to reduce social and emotional stress.
I agree to only use personal electronic devices (including caregiver use of cell phones) outside of the main community event space, to preserve it as a “screen-free zone.” AAC devices are allowed and encouraged everywhere.
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When our community agrees to have “no hurts” and to “stick together,” we WILL have fun! Fun is essential to our children's health and happiness!
Our Next Event:
When: Saturday, May 18th @ 12:30-3pm
Where: Haw Creek Commons
Who: Children ages 7-10 years old
Theme: “Bright Lights, Big City!”
Cost: FREE
Status: Lottery is now OPEN until Friday, May 3rd at 11am
