Mom of Teen with Autism Runs Pizza Business in Her Spare Time to Create Job Opportunities for Others with the Condition

**Pizza Party: Empowering Young Adults with Autism Through Culinary Skills**

Aparna Bangur, a London-based mother, has recently launched an innovative business called Pizza Party, aimed at training and providing job opportunities for individuals with autism. Inspired primarily by her 14-year-old son, Aarav, who was diagnosed with autism, Bangur’s venture seeks to address the significant challenges faced by autistic individuals in obtaining meaningful employment.

The idea for Pizza Party was conceived from Bangur’s desire to ensure a brighter future for Aarav. As a marketing and creative strategist, the challenges of teenage life for her son often weighed heavily on her mind—questions about his potential to lead an independent life and secure stable employment loomed large. “I often worry about how he will make a living one day,” she stated during an interview. This concern sparked the desire to create spaces where young adults like Aarav could thrive.

In April, Bangur officially opened Pizza Party, which is operated as a community interest company. This model allows the business to use its profits to benefit the community rather than focusing solely on financial gain. By running the business from a dark kitchen rather than a traditional restaurant, she has been able to keep initial costs low and get the project up and running quickly. “Good things shouldn’t be delayed,” Bangur emphasised, reflecting her commitment to the mission behind the venture.

Pizza Party is positioned to be a training ground for individuals with autism. Bangur explains that the process of making pizza is inherently rhythmic and structured, making it an ideal activity for those on the spectrum. “You can create clear stations and it’s very teachable,” she noted, recognising how such an environment can foster learning. The act of making and sharing pizza also resonates with the joy it brings to families, further enhancing its appeal as a communal and inclusive product.

Despite the clear vision and positive intentions, Bangur admits that running the business comes with challenges. She has found motivating sales particularly difficult, as the operation is largely reliant on delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. Nevertheless, her commitment to the project remains unwavering, as she prepares to welcome three trainees with autism, scheduled to start in July 2027. The aim is for these trainees to acquire essential skills that could eventually lead to full-time employment opportunities within Pizza Party.

Bangur’s initiative also seeks to highlight the need for a shift in how employers approach hiring people with autism. She believes that conventional recruitment processes often overlook crucial abilities by focusing too heavily on attributes such as polished cover letters and confident interpersonal skills. “You have to dig deeper, you have to allow more time,” she urged, advocating for adjustments within the workplace that will open doors for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

As she juggles the demands of the business with her full-time job, Bangur is motivated by the prospect of fostering independence not only for her son but also for others who may benefit from her project. Her definition of success hinges on the personal development of individuals like Aarav and the opportunities Pizza Party can create for them.

Bangur describes her journey as a parent of a child with autism as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with both exhilarating moments and daunting uncertainties. She emphasises the importance of resilience within this journey, advising other parents to persevere and remain hopeful: “You have to keep trying.”

In a world where the integration of diverse abilities in the workforce is still a growing aspiration, Aparna Bangur’s Pizza Party provides a refreshing perspective and a hands-on approach to skill development for young adults with autism. With every pizza made, she is not only baking delicious offerings but also working towards a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.