We are excited to announce the launch of the Perception Smoothie , created in partnership with Beyond Juice ! This special smoothie blends banana, coconut, and blue spirulina—an ingredient that has shown promise in preliminary studies for supporting brain health. But beyond the nutrition, the Perception Smoothie has a bigger purpose: to raise awareness about neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in our communities. By turning something as simple as a smoothie into a conversatio

We were honored to be invited to present at the Annual Summer Conference of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) . This platform gave us the opportunity to share our work with mental health professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. During the conference, we highlighted our cost-effective sensory room model , designed to provide accessible, inclusive, and supportive spaces for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, t

In 2024, we conducted research that identified a novel genetic diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and a potential therapeutic approach. Our work was first recognized at the state level, earning Best in Michigan , and later received First Place at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) . We were also named among the Top 10 Global Leaders in Research , an incredible honor that highlighted the worldwide significance of our findings. Building on this

The founders of The Perception Foundation, Maya and Lara Hammoud , have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and potential therapies with nominations and inductions into some of the nation’s most prestigious scientific organizations. They were inducted into Sigma Xi , the oldest and most prestigious research honor society—an organization that included luminaries such as Albert Einstein. They were also inducted into the Amer

We are so excited to share that The Perception Foundation is partnering with the Girl Scouts of Kentucky ! Through this collaboration, we will be offering courses on neurodiversity, STEM, and nonprofit leadership, along with a live Q&A where girls can ask us anything about advocacy, innovation, and creating change. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of young female leaders. We want to show girls that they can be advocates, innovators, and changemakers in fields that

We were honored to be invited to speak at the International Conference on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders , held April 17–18 in Orlando, Florida. This global platform brought together experts, advocates, and organizations dedicated to advancing understanding, support, and inclusion for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. At the conference, we shared the work of The Perception Foundation —from building private and public sensory rooms to hosting sensory-fr

We were thrilled to be invited onto ABC News Detroit to share our work and showcase our latest sensory room at Bloom Pediatrics. During the feature, we highlighted how sensory rooms provide safe, supportive spaces for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, trauma histories, and other sensory needs. We also shared our broader mission of expanding accessibility, hosting sensory-friendly events, and promoting neurodiversity awareness in the community. Being on this pl

At The Perception Foundation, we have spent years building sensory rooms in schools and public community centers—creating spaces where individuals can regulate, recharge, and feel supported. But we kept asking ourselves: what about other essential spaces where people face stress and overstimulation every day? That question led us to our next initiative: bringing sensory rooms into medical clinics and healthcare facilities . Medical visits can be overwhelming, especially for i

At The Perception Foundation, our journey has always been guided by one belief: sensory support should be accessible to everyone. We started by building private sensory rooms in schools and clinics for our friends and peers who needed a safe place to regulate. Over time, we expanded into public spaces like libraries and airports, because calm, inclusion, and the ability to thrive should never be privileges. Now we are thrilled to share the next chapter of our mission: public

The start of our advocacy journey was marked by an incredible honor. In November, we were invited to present at the Re:Con Convention in Traverse City on the theme of New Beginnings. During the convention, we shared our work and highlighted the importance of sensory resources in our communities. From building private and public sensory rooms to hosting inclusive events, we talked about how accessible sensory spaces can transform lives, foster inclusion, and empower individua

When we first started The Perception Foundation, it was all about creating spaces, both literal and figurative, where people with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences could feel understood and supported. Over the years, we realized that awareness is not just built in classrooms or clinics. It happens in everyday interactions, in the conversations we have with friends, family, and strangers. That is why we are so excited to share our Autism Awareness Clothing Line .

At The Perception Foundation, our mission has always been rooted in one simple belief: everyone deserves access to spaces that support regulation, calm, and belonging. When we first launched, we focused on creating private sensory rooms in schools, clinics, and community centers—quiet, supportive environments designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals and those experiencing sensory overwhelm. Today, we’re thrilled to share the next step in our journey: building

The story of The Perception Foundation began with a friendship. After meeting her best friend with autism, Maya Hammoud—alongside her sister Lara—saw how deeply the world lacked supportive spaces for those with sensory needs. Wanting to make a difference, they built their very first sensory room for him. That room was more than four walls and calming tools but a place of belonging. Seeing its impact inspired Maya and Lara to dream bigger. Out of that vision, The Perception Fo