April 2022 marks the fifteenth annual World Autism Acceptance Month. The United Nation General Assembly established April 2nd as the official day to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
How to Get Involved in World Autism Acceptance Month 2022
Acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is integral in improving the lives of those affected by it as well as their loved ones. It requires the necessary transition from awareness to acceptance of neurodiverse individuals to promote inclusion, that leads to an improved quality of life. Supporting the ASD community in any capacity is the first step in making the world a more accepting, tolerant, and knowledgeable place for all.
Support Autism Research
In addition to participating in one of the events listed below, our friends at Autism Speaks are raising funds to support autism research and critical support. Please consider sharing this message with others who support autism research.
Virtual Events
To celebrate a supportive world for neurodiverse individuals, there are events taking place nationwide. Below is a collection of events to consider joining in April. We encourage you to take part in any of these or other events to better understand our incredible, diverse community.
Autism Basics – Challenging Behavior
April 19
10:00pam-11:00am PDT
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7412631838597105675
Autistic Adults And Other Stakeholders Engage Together (AASET) For Suicide Prevention
April 20
8:00am-9:00am PDT
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7995441170466678283?source=event+page
The Annual Parent Autism Conference at Endicott College
April 23
7:00am-11:00am PDT
Disability Book Week
April 23-29
All Day, Each Day
https://disabilitybookweek.org/
Getting an Early Start: Understanding and Identifying Developmental Delays in Children
April 25
9:00am-10:30am PDT
Autism Basics – Educational Programming
April 26
10:00am-11:00am PDT
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7412631838597105675
For the Love of Autism Book Launch
April 26
5:00pm-7:00pm PDT
Animating the Future for Exceptional Minds
April 27
10:00am-11:30am PDT
https://web.cvent.com/event/127919bf-088d-466a-94cf-67d7d2e87924/regProcessStep1
An Introduction to a World with Autism
April 27
3:00pm-4:00pm PDT
Active for Autism Virtual 5K & Kids Dash
Anytime in the month of April
https://support.researchautism.org/2022ActiveForAutism5k
Autism Spectrum Disorder Facts
- ASD affects an estimated 1 in every 54 children in the United States today, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
- It affects all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, with boys being four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
- An early diagnosis can be beneficial and effective in improving learning, skills, and development.
- An estimated 31% of children with ASD also have an intellectual disability.