Empowerment through Independence

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Come As You Are (Caya)

Welcome to Come As You Are (Caya), a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering independence and fostering neuroinclusivity for neurodivergent adults across Hampton Roads, Virginia! Our mission is to cultivate autonomy, elevate self-esteem, and champion inclusivity through comprehensive behavioral, social, and workplace skill-building programs. At Caya, we are dedicated to creating an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in both their personal and professional lives. 

What We Do

Caya was founded in 2024 with the goal of supporting individuals of all abilities in achieving independence and fostering a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. Our programs are built by clinicians and reviewed by neurodivergent stakeholders and professionals to ensure our content aligns with both clinical expertise and lived experiences. Through direct support and our READY program, we assist individuals in developing essential skills and advocating for themselves.

Our mission is to empower individuals by addressing their unique needs with person-centered support, focusing on social and behavioral skills, workplace dynamics, and self-advocacy training.

In addition to supporting individuals, Caya partners with employers to create environments where neuroinclusive practices can thrive. By embracing accommodations and fostering an inclusive culture, employers empower the neurodivergent community—and everyone benefits. Together, we are unlocking potential and transforming workplaces for the better.

Rooted in empathy and empowerment, Caya supports autistic adults with personalized career coaching and job placement services, guiding them towards meaningful employment. We offer comprehensive supports that enable independence and confidence. Our programs are tailored to support individual goals, fostering long-term success in the workplace.

Businesses

At Caya, we collaborate with employers to remove bias from their recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention processes, fostering inclusive work environments. We help employers create tailored strategies that support diversity and inclusion. Additionally, we match autistic individuals with employers that align with their skills and career aspirations, ensuring a good fit for both parties.

Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare independence is the ability to effectively and autonomously manage one’s own health and wellness needs. Neurodivergent adults—including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia—face distinct challenges in managing their health compared to neurotypical individuals.

Caya: Value in Every.Body

Our Community

Autistic individuals have an important role to play within their communities. Increasing public understanding and acceptance of autism is critical in nurturing a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Autistic individuals can bring a diversity of viewpoints and abilities that can enrich a community. They often have unique talents and skills, such as attention to detail, ability to retain large amounts of factual information, or excel in specific knowledge areas, which can be beneficial in various community sectors including education, technology, arts, and more.

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