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    • About Us
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      • What We Do
      • The Journey So Far
    • SCARECROW FEST 2025
      • SCARECROW FEST VOTING
    • HALLOWEEN YOUR WAY
    • Inclusive Programs
    • Find Us
      • Contact
      • Social Media
    • Learn More
      • Inspire
    • Support Us
    • Family Event
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Board
    • What We Do
    • The Journey So Far
  • SCARECROW FEST 2025
    • SCARECROW FEST VOTING
  • HALLOWEEN YOUR WAY
  • Inclusive Programs
  • Find Us
    • Contact
    • Social Media
  • Learn More
    • Inspire
  • Support Us
  • Family Event

Together, We Make True Inclusion Real.

Together, We Make True Inclusion Real. Together, We Make True Inclusion Real. Together, We Make True Inclusion Real.

Join us as we connect and empower communities to create spaces where every mind belongs.

Our Mission, Vision & Community

Our Mission

Who We Serve

Our Mission

To create meaningful opportunities for individuals with invisible disabilities—and their families & caregivers—by empowering & educating communities. 

Our Vision

Who We Serve

Our Mission

To foster a world that values individuals with invisible disabilities and empowers them to thrive personally and professionally in all aspects of life. 

Who We Serve

Who We Serve

Who We Serve

All individuals with invisible disabilities—and their families & caregivers— in our community.

Our Board

Lauren Tarzia, Founder/President

Meet Lauren Tarzia, a mother of two boys aged 8 and 7. Her older son is autistic, revealing to her a path of self-love and acceptance. As an experienced SLP in an affluent school district, Lauren initially thought her son was developing typically until she noticed he wasn't progressing in school. Despite her extensive training in autism and inclusive educational practices, navigating her son's diagnosis overwhelmed her as a parent. Persistent fear and uncertainty led her into profound sadness until she realized her son remained the same beloved child she knew before his diagnosis, leading her to find hope & reassurance.


Together with her husband, Tony, Lauren embraced her son's autistic identity, focusing on support rather than change. Since then, their family has flourished, motivating Lauren to aid other families facing similar challenges. While Lauren has discovered inclusive spaces and opportunities for her son, they are infrequent and limited. Her mission now is to encourage communities to make impactful changes that enhance opportunities for neurodivergent children and their families to thrive.


"Inclusion begins with understanding and a mindset shift. When we confront our fears and discomfort with something by taking the time to understand it, we gain the courage to engage with it confidently.  Embracing each other's differences opens us to new experiences and love, making us stronger," Lauren emphasizes. She believes inclusion is the new "in" crowd—where kindness to all minds is not just cool but essential. Join the "in" crowd and embrace inclusion.

Christina Spizzirri, Secretary

Christina is a seasoned Sales & Marketing Executive with over two decades of experience in client success, account management and business development.  She has led successful teams and driven significant growth across diverse industries, including consumer packaged goods and healthcare.


Christina's tenure at Nielsen involved partnering with prominent organizations like Unilever, Beiersdorf, Edgewell and Walmart.  She has consistently stabilized complex client relationships, launched innovative go-to-market strategies and exceeded sales targets.


Beyond her professional achievements, Christina is a passionate advocate for the neurodiverse community.  Inspired by her family's experiences, she is dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. Her strategic thinking and leadership skills are invaluable to the Board, where she leverages her expertise in marketing and business development to advance the organization's mission and broaden its impact in the community.

Tony Tarzia, Treasurer


Tony is a dedicated Board Member where he ardently supports inclusive practices and neurodivergent acceptance. As the parent of an autistic boy, Tony brings a deeply personal perspective to the organization’s mission, driven by his desire to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with exceptional needs.


Currently, Tony serves as the Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for the Valcourt Group, overseeing strategic transactions and driving business growth. His extensive background in corporate finance and strategic planning is instrumental in guiding the nonprofit’s financial health and ensuring long-term sustainability.


Before joining Valcourt, Tony was the CFO of Tone It Up Inc., a leading women's health and wellness brand, where he played a critical role in managing the company's financial strategy and operations. He also held several senior leadership positions at Henkel Consumer Products, where his expertise in finance and management significantly contributed to the company’s success.


Tony's previous role as Chairman of the Stamford Golf Authority involved leading the Master Plan Project, which established a 30-year capital plan and redesigned the golf course, reflecting his commitment to enhancing community resources and planning for future development.


Tony's unique blend of personal experience, financial acumen, and leadership across diverse sectors makes him a valuable asset to the Board, advancing the nonprofit’s mission to promote inclusivity and acceptance for neurodivergent individuals.

Lauren Nussbaum, Founding Board Member

Lauren Connolly Nussbaum and her husband Matt Nussbaum have lived in New Canaan since 2013. They have three daughters who currently attend South Elementary and Saxe Intermediate and New Canaan High School. Lauren grew up in Boston, MA and earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in Hispanic Studies from the College of William & Mary where she played on the nationally ranked women's lacrosse team.  Lauren’s professional career has included work in NYC, Boston, Chicago and Toronto in the legal, non profit, and education sectors. Lauren is an active volunteer, coach and board member of many organizations in New Canaan. Lauren is passionate about public service, social justice, special & exceptional education and creating a more equitable world for all. Lauren is an avid reader and Boston Red Sox fan. 

Kendall Moore, Founding Board Member







What We Do

Modeling Neuroinclusion

Supporting Families & Caregivers

Supporting Families & Caregivers

We lead by example, showing what true inclusion looks like.
Our team models environments that support sensory, cognitive, communication, and other invisible needs — demonstrating that accessibility can be woven into every space.


When inclusion is modeled, it becomes possible everywhere.

Supporting Families & Caregivers

Supporting Families & Caregivers

Supporting Families & Caregivers

We empower families and caregivers with tools, connections, and advocacy to help them feel supported and confident.
Through community events, peer support, and educational resources, we help families find belonging and strength.


Inclusion starts at home — and grows community-wide.

Building Inclusive Practices

Supporting Families & Caregivers

Building Inclusive Practices

We partner with businesses, schools, and organizations to bring neuroinclusion into everyday life.
From staff trainings and sensory-friendly adaptations to workplace strategies, we help communities make inclusion sustainable.


Inclusion isn’t a program — it’s a practice.

Inclusive Programs

Holiday Bake & Belong: GRADES K-5

Holiday Bake & Belong: AGES 14+ - OVER 21 WELCOME

Holiday Bake & Belong: AGES 14+ - OVER 21 WELCOME

Adaptive Holiday Cookie Baking Class

Grades K-5
📅 Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 4:15–5:30 PM
📍 Kend Family Kitchen, New Canaan Library

In partnership with New Canaan Library & Sweet P Bakery

Join us for a joyful, hands-on baking class designed for young neurodivergent bakers or those who benefit from extra communication and sensory supports. Kids will mix, roll, and cut cookie dough, decorate cookies, and take home festive treats to bake and enjoy!

This is a caregiver-participation event—come share in the fun and learning together.

Led by Pastry Chef Terri Cahn of Sweet P Bakery, a leader in inclusive employment and training for adults with disabilities.

Nut-free dough | Peanut-free facility
Accessibility accommodations available.

Register Here

Holiday Bake & Belong: AGES 14+ - OVER 21 WELCOME

Holiday Bake & Belong: AGES 14+ - OVER 21 WELCOME

Holiday Bake & Belong: AGES 14+ - OVER 21 WELCOME

Adaptive Holiday Cookie Baking Class

AGES 14 & UP; OVER 21 WELCOME
📅 Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 6:30–7:45 PM
📍 Kend Family Kitchen, New Canaan Library

In partnership with New Canaan Library & Sweet P Bakery

Join us for a fun, hands-on baking class designed for neurodivergent bakers or those who benefit from additional communication and sensory supports. Participants will mix, roll, and cut cookie dough, decorate cookies, and take home festive dough and decorations to bake and enjoy later!

This is a caregiver-participation event—come share in the fun and learning together.

Led by Pastry Chef Terri Cahn of Sweet P Bakery, a leader in inclusive training and employment for adults with disabilities.

Nut-free dough | Peanut-free facility
Accessibility accommodations available.

Register Here

Jumping Together

We are taking a break for the summer but will be back in November 2025!

Playground Meet-ups

 Please join us at local playgrounds and connect with other  neurodiverse families & those who have members with disabilities.  Locations will be disclosed weekly.  Sign up here to be added to the contact list!

HALLOWEEN YOUR WAY

SCARECROW FEST 2025 VOTING

IT Journey So Far

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Please reach us at inclusive2gether@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

    There are all kinds of minds in this world. Neurodiversity is a term created by Judy Singer in 1999.  The idea is that different brains exist & there is no right or wrong brain to have. Neurodiversity is not just about types of brains but how our nervous systems  function. How our nervous systems react to input deeply affects how we function & relate to the outside world. How our nervous system makes us behave can be perceived as disordered rather than what it really is: a difference. 

    Those individuals who have brain & nervous system differences that can affect communication, motor, all types of regulation, & cognition.  


    Classified medical labels are used to identify these differences & they usually use the term "disorder" in the label. Disorder is certainly not what anyone would like to be associated with but these labels are necessary to provide opportunities for medical, educational, occupational, and social supports.  


    These can be found in the DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association. Although not all of these labels require the same amount of support or intervention, if at all, they are different from the neurotypical label.  Some examples of neurodivergent medical labels are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, & Schizophrenia to name a few.  

    Neuroinclusion is a way of thinking and planning with the neurodivergent community in mind. Whenever something is built, created, or designed—whether it's a space, a program, a workplace, or an experience—there’s usually a “default” audience in mind. Too often, neurodivergent people are left out of that picture.


    There’s a common assumption that everyone should just adjust, adapt, or get used to things as they are. But for many neurodivergent individuals, that’s simply not realistic or fair. As a result, they’re excluded—missing out on opportunities, connection, and the full richness of what the world has to offer.


    When we center neuroinclusion—when we intentionally design with all minds in mind—we create a world that is more accessible, compassionate, and effective for everyone. It’s not just better for neurodivergent people; it’s better for all of us.

    Disability-affirming practices are rooted in the belief that disability is not something to be pitied, fixed, or hidden—but something to be respected and affirmed as part of a person’s identity. These practices honor the lived experiences of disabled people and reject the idea that disability is inherently negative or needs to be overcome.


    Being disability-affirming means listening to disabled voices, respecting their choices, and supporting autonomy. It means using language that empowers rather than erases. It also means moving away from outdated models that treat disability as a problem and toward approaches that recognize the value, rights, and contributions of disabled people.

    This is important because for far too long, disabled people have been spoken about rather than with, and decisions about their lives have been made without their input. Learning and applying disability-affirming practices helps shift the culture—from charity or compliance to dignity and solidarity.


    Ultimately, being disability-affirming isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about justice, identity, and respect.

    Ableism refers to the ways that society might unintentionally create challenges for people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. It encompasses attitudes, practices, and environments that can make it harder for individuals with diverse abilities and sensory or learning needs to fully engage and participate in everyday life.


    Ableism can appear in various forms, such as:


    1. Language and Attitudes: Using language or holding attitudes that don’t fully respect or appreciate the diverse experiences and strengths of people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.


    2. Accessibility: When places, websites, or services aren’t designed to be easily accessible or accommodating to different sensory and learning needs, it can make it more difficult for these individuals to use them comfortably.


    3. Inclusion: Sometimes, systems or activities might not consider the varied needs of people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals, which can unintentionally leave them out of important experiences.


    4. Assumptions: Making broad assumptions about what people with disabilities or neurodivergent individuals can or can’t do, instead of recognizing and valuing their unique abilities and contributions.


    5. Representation: Ensuring that people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals are included and represented in all aspects of community life and decision-making.


    Creating a more inclusive society involves being mindful and making thoughtful adjustments so that everyone, regardless of their abilities or sensory and learning needs, can enjoy equal opportunities and support. It’s about celebrating and embracing each person's unique contributions and working together to ensure everyone can participate fully.

    Supporting neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities is important for everyone, including those who are neurotypical. Around one in four people worldwide experience sensory challenges or other disabilities, which means that inclusivity touches many lives, including potentially our own or those of our loved ones. By advocating for and supporting accessibility and understanding, neurotypical individuals contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society. This effort not only ensures that everyone can fully participate and thrive but also enriches our communities by embracing diverse perspectives and talents. When we work together to support all individuals, we create environments where everyone benefits from greater innovation, empathy, and shared success.

    Everyone can! Learning about inclusive practices & how to navigate the neurodivergent & disability journey benefits everyone by fostering empathy and understanding. It helps break down barriers, reduce misunderstandings, and create environments where all voices are valued. This not only enhances collaboration and innovation but also strengthens communities, ensuring that everyone can contribute and thrive.


    Resources for families with disabled and/or neurodivergent individuals will include workshops &  speakers to help parents & caregivers support their loved ones.  We will also provide connections to local interventionists & medical professionals that play a vital role in enhancing & supporting development of these individuals.  In addition, we will partner with professionals who specialize in supporting families & siblings who are often overlooked as needing specialized interventions & therapy.  


    Inclusive, sensory supported events & activities  will be held to create more opportunities for families who oftentimes avoid community gatherings & activities. These events and activities will provide a model for all local organizations and businesses on how to provide an inclusive event. 


    Local businesses, organizations & clubs will receive specialized training in neurodiversity and inclusive practices that will help enhance our incredible community and provide meaningful opportunities for our neurodiverse & special needs families.  

    All donations are used to support Inclusive Together's mission. All events & nonprofit business expenses are currently funded by donations and fundraising. 

    Support IT Today!

    Make a difference in the lives of others by donating to Inclusive Together. Our team works on a volunteer basis. All proceeds go directly to support our operations & event costs. Every contribution helps us continue our mission of bringing positive change.



    Donate Now

    Contact IT

    inclusive2gether@gmail.com

    Inclusive Together

    (203) 321-9473

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