April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to providing opportunities to increase understanding, acceptance, and support for the autistic community. This month includes the 17th annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, an event focused on sharing stories and empowering a community that is often misunderstood or excluded due to societal misconceptions.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it looks different for everyone. Each autistic individual has a unique set of strengths and challenges, as well as varying healthcare, services, and support needs that may change over time.
Building access to services and support systems is crucial for promoting the health and well-being of autistic individuals. Unfortunately, many in the autistic community face exclusion and barriers due to misconceptions and stereotypes that persist about autism. Autism Acceptance Month is an important time for raising awareness and fostering acceptance to increase access to information, resources, and support that autistic people and their families need.
This month is an opportunity to share diverse stories and build supportive networks to create a society where autistic individuals are empowered, understood, and celebrated. Check out our list of resources and book recommendations to continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community!
Here is a list of resources for individuals and families affected by autism and those looking to learn more!
- Northwest Autism Center
- Steps For Autism: Annual 5k event at Riverfront Park in Spokane
- The Arc’s Autism Now Center
- The ISAAC Foundation
- ISAAC Alert
- Autism support, resources & advocacy | Autism Speaks
- Resources – UW Autism
- National Professional Development Center on Autism
Autism Acceptance Month Reads
Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant
Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
Magnificent Minds by Suzanne Goh
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis
The Many Hald-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
The Boys in the Back Row by Mike Jung
All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit
