Autism Awareness Month

Autism is something that makes a person think, learn, and experience the world in a unique way. The Autism experience is different for everyone. Autism is often referred to as a “spectrum condition”, meaning it affects people in different ways and to varying degrees.

People with autism might:

• Communicate differently – Some may talk a lot, some a little, and some use pictures or devices to speak.

• Like routines – They may enjoy doing things the same way every day.

• Have special interests – They might love learning everything about dinosaurs, space, or trains!

• Have strong feelings about sounds, lights, or textures – Some things might feel too loud, too bright, or too rough.

• Everyone is different – Just like some people are tall or short, autism is part of what makes someone unique.

• Being kind is important – A friend with autism may play or talk differently, but they still want friendship and respect.

We can all learn from each other – People with autism have unique talents and ideas that make the world amazing!

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD): April 2nd

This day, observed annually on April 2nd, is a global initiative to raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Purpose:

The day aims to promote a better understanding of autism, advocate for the rights of individuals with autism, and foster a more inclusive and supportive society for people with autism.

Consider joining our Central SSS team for Autism Awareness Week theme days 😃!

• National Autism Association (www.nationalautismassociation.org) – Focuses on safety, support, and crisis prevention for individuals with autism.

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) (www.autisticadvocacy.org) – Run by autistic individuals, emphasizing self-advocacy and neurodiversity acceptance.

• Autism Society (www.autismsociety.org) – Provides educational resources, advocacy efforts, and community support.

• Texas Autism Society (https://www.texasautismsociety.org/) – Provides educational resources, advocacy efforts, and community support specifically in Texas.

• CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly) – Helps parents track developmental milestones.

• Autism Navigator (www.autismnavigator.com) – Online tools to help families navigate autism diagnosis and support.

• Sesame Street & Autism (https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/) – Features Julia, a Muppet with autism, along with videos and guides for young children.

• SPARK for Autism (www.sparkforautism.org) – A research initiative connecting families with studies and resources.

• CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly) – Helps parents track developmental milestones.

• Autism Navigator (www.autismnavigator.com) – Online tools to help families navigate autism diagnosis and support.

• Sesame Street & Autism (https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/) – Features Julia, a Muppet with autism, along with videos and guides for young children.

• SPARK for Autism (www.sparkforautism.org) – A research initiative connecting families with studies and resources.

• Neurodiversity in the Workplace (www.neurodiversityintheworkplace.org) – Supports employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals.

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (www.askjan.org) – Provides guidance on workplace accommodations for individuals with autism.