Autism Awareness Month 2023
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC)/National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) honors the contribution of people on the autism spectrum and the autism community to our nation and the world. We join the United Nations and the U.S. government in recognizing the needs of people on the autism spectrum and their families. Our office recognizes the need for supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering of people on the autism spectrum. Throughout the month of April, we will be updating this page with the latest news and events.
News
March 31, 2023
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, President Joseph R. Biden released to a proclamation to recognize the achievements of neurodiverse people and to reiterate his Administration’s commitment to supporting the equal rights and dignity of all those on the autism spectrum. President Biden highlights recent achievements in the autism field, including support for home- and community-based services, the reauthorization of Kevin and Avonte’s Law, and boosting employment opportunities.
April 2, 2023
In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, UN Secretary General António Guterres released a statement to promote the contributions and rights of people on the autism spectrum. He stated, "We must do better - by promoting inclusive education, equal employment opportunities, self-determination, and an environment where every person is respected."
April 10, 2023
March 30, 2023
In honor of World Autism Month, Autism Speaks commits to their vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. This includes access to information and services as a universal right, regardless of geographical or societal boundaries. Autism Speaks’ CEO Keith Wargo commits to listening; funding research, grants, and scholarship; lobbying for insurance and other benefits nationwide; and investing in enhancing and creating new services.
March 23, 2023
During Autism Awareness Month, the Autism Society is highlighting the diversity of experiences and needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, stating that acceptance happens every day. In the coming year, Autism Society plans to expand its efforts to increase provider training and accessibility to vaccination, deliver first responder training, increase employment rates and advocate for fair wages, and deepen their focus on health equity.
April 2023
During the month of April, OCALI is sharing information and resources to support people on the autism spectrum across the lifespan, form early childhood to adulthood. Each week they will feature resources on different topics from the Autism Center, Center for the Young Child, Lifespan Transitions Center, the Family and Community Outreach Center, and the Office of Policy. Click the link above to view these resources.
April 12, 2023
This message from Connecticut State Rep. Christine Conley announces April as Autism Acceptance Month, with the theme “Celebrate Differences,” which promotes inclusivity and acceptance of individuals with autism. She discusses how autistic individuals need support, not judgment. The message highlights the importance of embracing differences and offers resources for further learning.
Events
March 30, 2023; 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET
Autism Science Foundation’s Day of Learning is a conference that features TED-style talks. These conferences bring top researchers together with autism stakeholders to share cutting-edge research findings and to discuss priority issues.
April 2, 2023; 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
In recent years, due to the efforts of advocates, more researchers and academics are incorporating the neurodiversity paradigm into their work. This has resulted in the moving the narrative away from curing autism and towards accepting, supporting, and including autistic people, their allies, and the wider neurodiversity community. At this event, autistic people from around the world will discuss this transformation and how it can be used to overcome barriers and improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum.
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 10:00 a.m. ET
The purpose of the IACC meeting is to discuss business, agency updates, and issues related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and services activities. Members will hear an update on autism prevalence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and perspectives on disparities. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023; 12:00 p.m. ET
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the purpose of this webinar is to provide American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) parents the opportunity to share their stories as parents of children with Autism. This webinar will serve as a safe place for healthcare providers and community members to become more aware of the unique experiences of AI/AN families and to ask questions.
Sponsored by OARC
April 14, 2023; 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Office of Autism Research Coordination (OARC) are pleased to host their 10th Annual Autism Awareness Month Special Event, A Portrait of Autism: Artists and Their Works. The virtual event will feature 4 artists, who will talk about how their experiences as autistic individuals have shaped their artistic expression. The event will include a sampling of their artwork and a Q&A with the artists.
April 17-19, 2023
This year the theme of CASDA’s annual summit is “Building a More Inclusive Canada.” The goal of this summit is to advance Canada’s autism strategy and to strengthen the autism community’s collective voice.
April 20, 2023; 1:00 p.m. ET
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) will host a special event titled "Identifying Early Brain Markers in Infancy in Autism and Associated Developmental Disabilities" for World Autism Awareness Month on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET. This event will feature Dr. Mark Shen, Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
April 27, 2023; 2:00 p.m. ET
This webinar will focus on developing providers’ skills in the early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) markers, understanding of ASD-specific screening tools, with an in-depth discussion on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and utilizing ASD screening tools in clinics. Focus will also include discussion of follow-up steps to take when a child is identified as “at risk.” Teaching tools will include a resource page, decision tree charts and quick facts for providers.
