Celebrity interior and product designer Robin Baron has launched Relationspot.com – the first-ever social community for the neurodiverse. Relationspot is a first-of-its-kind social impact company and community for autistic and neurodiverse adults and is based in Robin’s hometown of New York City. Baron created a truly one-of-a-kind social community, established with a mission to build meaningful connections and lasting friendships and to embrace a sense of belonging for people of all abilities.
“I have a very personal connection to the ASD/Neurodiverse community, and I saw the need,” said Baron. “So when my adult son Simon, who is on the spectrum, came to me with this idea, I knew that I had to live my motto: If you know you can make a difference, you have to! I love this community, and I want everyone to live their best lives.”
Throughout her life, the designer has been a very active participant and advocate in the ASD and neurodiverse community and has been on the board of several related organizations and schools, as well as currently championing a supported living program to help members of the neurodiverse community become more confident and independent.
Embracing community, connection and helping people find a place they belong are all part of Relationspot’s philosophies and are the foundation for its member benefits. Relationspot’s member benefits include fun weekly in-person events and meet and greets on Zoom; The Empower Hour: monthly community classes on Zoom; popular speed-dating events; Relationspot socials and mixers; one-to-one social coaching; and a special speaker series. At all Relationspot’s events, both online and in person, their experienced and professional coaches are present to help facilitate connections among members. Relationspot also offers a private Facebook group to help members stay in touch and build on their friendships. Currently, Relationspot’s in-person events take place in and around the New York City area and Westchester, with requests to expand in-person events to other cities throughout the Northeast. By popular demand, Relationspot also plans to launch one-to-one matching in 2025.
Relationspot started its first official fundraising campaign with the desire to raise awareness and to spread the gift of community. The #RelationspotGivingTuesday campaign set a modest goal to raise $50,000 to help support their community and grow. Donations will also allow Relationspot to bring on more staff – composed of experienced coaches and passionate advocates – who want to get more involved and make an impact.
