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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.
CAYA was founded in 2024 with the goal of supporting individuals in achieving independence while fostering neuroinclusive workplaces and communities. Our programs are developed by clinicians and peer-reviewed by neurodivergent stakeholders and professionals, ensuring our content reflects both clinical best practices and real-world lived experience.
Beyond individual programming, CAYA partners with schools and employers to drive systemic change. With schools, we integrate CAYA’s extensive library of skill-building modules directly into curricula or offer them as after-school programming—bringing critical life, workplace, and self-advocacy skills to students that are typically not taught. With employers, CAYA delivers hands-on training and assessments, providing practical tools and tailored recommendations to help teams implement inclusive practices that support both staff and customers.
Our vision is a community where everyone has the
opportunity to grow into their full potential with
confidence, independence, and a true sense of
belonging.
We imagine a future in which individuals are supported
through compassionate, person-centered skill-building
that strengthens their lives both personally and
professionally.
At CAYA, we believe that when people are met with
understanding, encouragement, and the right tools,
they can thrive on their own terms and participate more
fully in inclusive, connected communities.
After attending the Caya READY Workshop, Joan attended the Caya Neurodivergent job fair. From there, she secured a job and so much more.
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.
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
CAYA partners with educators and education institutions to bring our person-centered approach directly into schools. Using our core curriculum, we create custom programming that supports neurodivergent students in building confidence, developing practical life and workplace skills, and preparing for the transition to adulthood.
Come As You Are is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization
EIN 99-4058313
