Nonprofit academy and studios launching careers in animation, VFX, and digital arts for young adults on the autism spectrum

Register for Winter Workshops (February 28 - April 11): Animation, VFX, Gaming, and digital arts classes for students ages 14+

Exceptional Minds Academy and Studios provide the skills, experience, and support needed to thrive in arts and entertainment careers.

Vocational Training

Full time, post-secondary program designed to build students' art skills while strengthening their workplace readiness.

Hands-On Experience

Graduates work in paid apprenticeship roles at our in-house Animation and VFX studios where they work on real client projects and original IP.

Career Support

Ongoing career guidance and partnerships with studios help build sustainable, inclusive employment paths.

Attend Exceptional Minds

As an artist on the autism spectrum, you can acquire the skills needed for a career in the entertainment industry.

Our partners

Meet our artists and see their work

Our studio team collaborated with our partner Mitsubishi Electric to create this animated short celebrating the talent and creativity of artists on the spectrum.

About us

Breaking barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum so they can achieve independence through career development.

The academy

Student-teacher ratios below 6:1, 97% graduation rate, and classes taught by industry experts.

The studios

Graduates are paid for work in our professional animation and VFX studios. Hundreds of projects complete, including Oscar-winning films and every Marvel movie since 2015.

Your support

Every contribution provides vital support for educating and employing young adults on the autism spectrum.
Blog

This Giving Tuesday, Support Students and Artists on the Autism Spectrum

When families search for an autism nonprofit with meaningful programs, Exceptional Minds stands out. We are a community where artists on the autism spectrum discover ...
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Reasons to Hire Someone on the Autism Spectrum
Blog

Why Prioritizing Neurodiverse Talent Is a Game-Changer for Your Creative Team

If you’re not prioritizing neurodiverse talent in your hiring practices, you might be missing out on more than just good PR. You could be missing ...
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Blog

Welcome Lauren DeVillier – Our New CEO!

We’re excited to share some big news: Lauren DeVillier will be joining Exceptional Minds as our new Chief Executive Officer, officially stepping into the role ...
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