Introducing The Perception Foundation

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—it was a place of belonging. Seeing its impact inspired Maya and Lara to dream bigger. Out of that vision, The Perception Foundation was born: a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to sensory spaces for individuals with autism, neurodevelopmental differences, trauma, and anyone who benefits from sensory support.

At first, the Foundation focused on creating private sensory rooms in schools, clinics, and community centers.

What started as one friendship—and one room—will hopefully grow into a movement to make the world more sensory-friendly, one space at a time.