Just Bee

About

Mission Statement

Just Bee is determined to create a world where anyone with Autism or Neurodiversity is treated equally, fairly, and compassionately- with full recognition of their civil rights.

Just Bee connects neurodivergent people with their local community by raising awareness, creating partnerships, and providing training resources to foster sensory- friendly and welcoming spaces.

The Just Bee story starts with Rio, Layla Luna's son. Over the years, Layla continued to find herself in difficult situations when people did not know how to respond to Rio, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of two.

One evening while Layla's family was waiting for a table at a local restaurant. Rio started to have a sensory-overload from the hectic environment. Other customers became irritated, prompting restaurant management to ask Layla and her children to leave. Embarrassed, heartbroken, and disillusioned, Layla was wiping her tears away with her daughter's bumble bee blanket when she asked herself, "Why can't people just bee nice? Why can't people just bee kind? Why can't they just understand Autism?" This was the beginning of Just Bee.

Since 2019, Layla has been a mother on a mission. As the Founder & CEO of Just Bee, she works to connect families with their local community but raising awareness, creating partnerships, and providing training resources for sensory-friendly businesses - encouraging positive experiences for those with ASD.

Autism has no facial recognition (like Downs Syndrome). Most people in the Neurodivergent community look typical, and many families living with ASD or Neurodiversity are hesitant to spend time in public for fear of how they might be perceived or treated. When an individual is having sensory overload, people tend to judge and discriminate against them, making it almost impossible to allow families to have the same quality of life as everyone else. There is currently no way for people to find out if a business is welcoming to the Neurodivergent community. The Just Bee Pledge allows community partners to recognize the signs and provide a safer, bee-friendly world where all are welcomed.

After taking the Just Bee Pledge, businesses will have access to our sensitivity-training materials that share how to create a sensory-friendly atmosphere, strategies for avoiding disruptive behavior, and how to de-escalate challenging situations efficiently and effectively. Pledge takers then place the Just Bee sticker in the front window of their business, signaling families with ASD and Neurodiversity that it is a safe and welcoming space.

Just Bee is determined to create a world where anyone with Autism and Neurodiversity is treated equally, fairly, and compassionately – with full recognition of their civil rights. Neurodiversity is a critical component of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) movement. Just Bee offers an online Autism training workshop featuring a proprietary curriculum developed by Dr. Diane Cullinane, MD – a leading developmental pediatrician. This interactive online workshop guides businesses, first responders, and local governments through a process of learning and reflection.

In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism. An estimated 40% of those diagnosed are nonverbal, and 70% of adults with Autism are unemployed. Just Bee offers this growing – and often invisible – population a suite of tools and services so that they can experience a world that is focused on possibilities instead of disabilities.

What's next? Just Bee's app can become an invaluable tool for families seeking sensory-friendly restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and other local activities. Our directory will change the way Neurodivergent families navigate and connect with their local community.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental diagnosis in history, estimated to surpass diabetes by 2025. 1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls are diagnosed with ASD in the United States (CDC, January 2021). 50-75% of adults in the United States are either under-employed or unemployed (Forbes April 2021). Just Bee's app will serve to bridge the gap between this untapped market of millions of families that don't spend money in their local communities, while creating a business model for business during their slower hours of operation, creating a win-win, community helping community.