Autism Acceptance Month 2024
In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, the Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) within the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) honors the contributions 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 acknowledges the need to support, understand, accept, include, and empower people on the autism spectrum. Throughout the month of April, we will be updating this page with the latest news and events.
News
April 1, 2024
In honor of World Autism Acceptance Day, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. issued a proclamation to celebrate the contributions of all neurodiverse people. He commits to working towards ending disparities that autistic people experience when accessing employment, healthcare, and education. President Biden also recognizes the advances his Administration has made and the importance of advancing disability rights around the world.
April 2, 2024
UN Secretary General António Guterres recognizes both the contributions of autistic people as well as the barriers they face. He states that governments around the world must invest in stronger community support systems, inclusive education and training programs, and accessible and technology-based solutions to enable persons with autism to enjoy the same rights as others.
April 4, 2024
During National Autism Acceptance Month, NIMH and the NIMH Office of National Autism Coordination celebrate the important contributions of autistic people and reaffirm their support for the acceptance, inclusion, and full participation of autistic people in all aspects of community life. In this blog, they highlight NIMH’s unique role in federal autism coordination efforts and reflect on how the lived experiences of autistic people and their families have shaped federal autism research, services, and policy. They emphasize the importance of listening to community voices, representing diverse experiences, and prioritizing collaboration and inclusion.
April 4, 2024
The Arc celebrates the talents, contributions, and diversity within the autism community. They highlight the need for creating a truly inclusive society. The Arc works to uplift the voices and perspectives of autistic people in April and beyond.
April 2, 2024
The Indian Health Service (IHS) recognizes April 2 as World Autism Acceptance Day and the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month. IHS is committed to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and is dedicated to improving their efforts to support and educate providers and caregivers of individuals with ASD.
April 2, 2024
This World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks is announced of its newly established Champions of Change program. Their inaugural class of five autistic advocates and spokespeople will serve as messengers, advocates, allies and advisors for the nonprofit organization and to the autistic community at large.
April 1, 2024
Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, released new resources in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month. These free resources are available both in English and Spanish and are designed to help autistic children and their families build confidence and self-determination skills, while also fostering understanding and acceptance of autism among all children and adults.
April 1, 2024
In this video segment, Dani Bowman from Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” and Kristyn Roth from the Autism Society speak to NBC’s Gadi Schwartz on the importance of neurodivergent people having the opportunity to access all areas of life, from dating to employment.
April 2024
This April, the Autism Society of America continues its sixth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. Autism Society believes that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
April 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created this toolkit to raise autism awareness to promote autism acceptance, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community. This toolkit includes social media messages, information about CDC’s efforts to collect and track data, and ways you can support children and youth on the autism spectrum.
April 1, 2024
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) emphasizes its commitment to promoting acceptance and inclusion of autistic people, as it transitions from Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to National Autism Acceptance Month in April. NACDD joins families and communities in celebrating the strengths and contributions of autistic individuals. The new observance serves as a reminder to continue dismantling ableist barriers and challenging stereotypes, ensuring that everyone has the right to live and work in their communities.
March 22, 2024
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, Disability:IN encourages organizations to foster inclusivity through education, open dialogue, and the engagement of autistic individuals in shaping policies and practices. This article highlights common autistic traits such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, and focus. The article also shares resources to help drive acceptance and inclusion, and seeks to help raise awareness and celebrate the contributions of autistic individuals in the workplace.
Events
April 2, 2024; 10:00 a.m. ET
For the first time, the UN’s 2024 observance of World Autism Awareness Day seeks to share the perspectives of autistic people from across the globe. Their panel will feature autistic people from six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the state of affairs in their respective regions, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for autistic people to be able to thrive.
April 5, 2024; 2:00 p.m. ET
This webinar will focus on developing the skills of providers and families of children with autism in identifying basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), differentiating types of ABA intervention through case examples, examine misconceptions regarding ABA, and how to utilize ABA strategies with children with autism. Teaching tools will include resource page, quick facts for providers, and handouts for families.
April 11, 2024; 11:00 a.m. ET
The NIEHS's World Autism Month event will feature Eric Garcia, author of We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation. His book is a mix of memoir, history, field interviews, myth-busting, and advice on how to better understand autism.
April 13, 2024; 8:00 a.m. ET
The Organization for Autism Research will be hosting their 6th annual Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash. This is an in-person and virtual fitness and fundraising event during April for Autism Acceptance Month. The in-person event will be held in Alexandria, VA.
NIMH/ONAC Special Event for Autism Acceptance Month - Sound Tracks: An Artistic Journey to Belonging
April 16, 2024; 2:00 p.m. ET
The NIMH and ONAC are pleased to host the 11th Annual Autism Acceptance Month Special Event, Sound Tracks: An Artistic Journey to Belonging. This hybrid event will feature autistic photographer Blair Bunting, autistic violinist Laura Nadine, and neurodivergent filmmaker John Schaffer. The event will include a showing of the film Sound Tracks, directed by Mr. Schaffer and featuring Mr. Bunting and Ms. Nadine, as well as Q&A with the artists and remarks from Denise Resnik of First Place AZ, the non-profit organization that sponsored the film.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024; 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. The Committee will recognize World Autism Acceptance Day and National Autism Acceptance Month, with a focus on global autism efforts. The meeting will be hybrid and open to the public.
April 25, 2024; 12:00 p.m. ET
The Institute of Neurodiversity began a Masterclass series on Neurodiversity in 2021. Their April 2024 webinar will feature neurodiversity advocate Anna Justine Sochacka.
State and International Proclamations
April 30, 2024
Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed April as World Autism Month in North Carolina. March 2024 marked the fifth anniversary of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 92: Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities, which charged state agencies with providing an environment where individuals with disabilities could successfully participate in competitive, integrated employment (CIE). In 2018 he launched LiNC-IT to provide job coaching for early career autistic professionals and their employers.
April 25, 2024
Governor Wes Moore proclaimed April as Autism Acceptance Month in Maryland. The proclamation recognizes the strengths and gifts of autistic people and celebrates those who advocate on their behalf. Governor Moore also presented a governor’s citation to Marcus Moore, an autistic individual, in recognition of his contribution to the autism community and for his self-advocacy. Governor Moore also presented a citation to Ken White, General Manager of Historic Inns of Annapolis, in recognition of his support and promotion of opportunity, access, and choice for individuals with autism.
April 11, 2024
On April 10, Governor Jim Justice declared April as Autism Awareness Month. He also notes that there has been a 250% increase in autistic children receiving special education services in the past decade. Additionally, he awarded $600,000 to create an autism education workforce.
April 1, 2024
In her proclamation of Autism Acceptance Month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognizes the wide variety of symptoms, needs, and strengths of people on the autism spectrum. She also recognizes the importance of early intervention, health care, service provision, employment, and other opportunities that promote well-being. She commits to creating a more welcoming and inclusive state for all.
April 1, 2024
In his recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin notes the wide spectrum of autism symptoms. Governor Youngkin acknowledges the importance of tailoring therapies, supports, and services to meet the needs of individuals. He also recognizes the work of advocacy organizations.
March 29, 2024
Governor Joe Lombardo recognizes April as World Autism Awareness Month and April as the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day; both of which are intended to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Governor Lombardo also acknowledges the variety of co-occurring conditions that necessitate early diagnosis and access to supports.
March 14, 2024
Governor Kay Ivey describes how organizations across the state of Alabama are committed to the mission of educating families, professionals, and the general public about autism. She relates that hope lies in a spectrum of treatments and requires engagement from the community in order to provide support for individuals on the spectrum.
March 13, 2024
In this proclamation, Governor Greg Abbott describes how individuals with autism have unique abilities and experiences, and that this diversity of talent has contributed to Texas’ success as a state. He says the month of April is set aside to educate the public about autism as a condition and celebrate Texans with autism.
February 29, 2024
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a proclamation declaring April as Autism Acceptance Month. The proclamation recognizes the many individuals on the autism spectrum, their abilities and contributions, and their inclusion within the community.
April 5, 2024
In this video, Governor Leon Guerrero signs a proclamation to recognize April as Autism Awareness Month.
April 2, 2024
On April 2, 2024, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors proclaimed World Autism Awareness Day in the Island of Bermuda and declared the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month. A full text of their proclamation can be found here.
March 22, 2024
This proclamation from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declares April 2024 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2nd, 2024, as World Autism Awareness Day. Each autistic individual interacts with the world differently, often exhibiting unique ways of communicating and learning. Early diagnosis and lifelong support are essential for ensuring autistic individuals have the resources to live independent and fulfilling lives. The proclamation emphasizes the need for inclusion, dignity, and respect for autistic individuals and celebrates their contributions to Wisconsin’s communities.
April 2024
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Illinois Department of Central management Services released this informative page about autism.
April 3, 2024
On April 3, 2024, the State of New Jersey State Board of Education issued a resolution to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month. The month of April is globally acknowledged as Autism Acceptance Month and is dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism.
April 2, 2024
On World Autism Acceptance Day, the Heath Commissioner of New York, Dr. James McDonald, issued a statement to acknowledge and celebrate New Yorkers on the autism spectrum and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to remove barriers to healthcare that this population faces. More information on New York’s celebration of Autism Acceptance Month can be found here.
