With 1 in 59 American children now being diagnosed with autism, the need for services and supports is greater than ever. Autism Awareness Month was established in the 1970s to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. April is a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
The Autism Society and its more than 80 affiliates lead the campaign; the goal of the campaign is threefold:
- To EDUCATE the public about the Autism Society and the services it provides to assist families and individuals living with autism;
- To IGNITE a sense of urgency about the 7 in 10 adults with autism who are either unemployed or underemployed; and
- To INSPIRE individuals, families, communities, employers to be more all–inclusive and health care providers, and educators to get involved and support the Autism Society and its our efforts to celebrate our differences.
Ways to get involved:
Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture – and educate folks on the potential of people with autism. To learn more about the Autism Awareness Ribbon, click here. To purchase the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon for your shirt, car, locker or refrigerator, click here.
Check your Community: Discover local events. Nationwide, over 80+ Autism Society chapters hold a number of special events in their communities throughout April. For more information about any of these activities, please visit www.autism-society.org/about-the-autism-society/affiliate-network/ .
Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC Theatres to bring special-needs families Sensory Friendly Films every month.
Find Information: The Autism Society reaches thousands of families each day with trusted information and caring referral services through, Autism Source(tm) – a comprehensive resource database and National Contact Center Help Line. Autism Source information and referral specialists are available seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., to help families affected by autism spectrum disorder navigate life on the spectrum. To connect with knowledgeable and caring information and referral specialists, please visit www.autismsource.org or call 1-800-3-AUTISM.
Source: Autism Society, content accessed 4/3/2019. Full article here.
