Celebrating the Spectrum: Several New Bizzes Promote Neurodiversity and Inclusion

Celebrating the Spectrum: Several New Bizzes Promote Neurodiversity and Inclusion

The Belong Kitchen staff / photo by Marlo Wise

A NUMBER OF Houston organizations and businesses are championing neurodiversity and inclusion leading up to National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which begins tomorrow.


Belong Kitchen just opened in the Memorial area, offering grab-and-go family meals crafted by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Offerings vary each day — and often run out within just a few hours! Specials include Mexican lasagna and hot-honey-pretzel chicken tenders.

Earlier this year, Social Motion Skills and the Center for Pursuit united to form a partnership dubbed the Center of Excellence, which will serve adults and children with IDD. Here, the Aspire Accessories workshop — where individuals with autism and similar special needs create one-of-a-kind jewelry, art and home décor — will find a new home.

And today, Spectrum Fusion, founded in 2018 as an offshoot of a successful Australian program by the same name, unveils its new headquarters on Bissonnet, where adults on the autism spectrum can nurture their creative talents. The Spectrum Fusion Media Team, for example, is comprised of Houston videographers, editors, writers, graphic designers and actors, all of whom are on the spectrum; the team has done work for clients such as Johnson & Johnson and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.

At 2,400-square-feet, the new West U HQ will offer plenty of space for collaboration and community, and will also focus on promoting neurodiversity in the workplace.

The Spectrum Fusion Media Team / via Instagram


People + Places
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Sylvia Casares

MANY OF THE city’s who’s-who gathered at the city’s buzziest venue to toast Houston CityBook’s 2024 “Leaders & Legends,” presented by The Village of River Oaks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food+Travel

Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt

IT'S BEEN A century since what’s now known as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston debuted, and the society set celebrated the 100-year milestone in high style. Some 375 guests turned out for the 2024 Grand Gala Ball at the museum, raising $5.5 million in total, including Nancy and Rich Kinder’s $1 million gift and another hefty gift from J. Venn Leeds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art+Culture