April 2021: Autism Acceptance Month

See below for a full listing of all of the April 2021 campaign posts to date. April is widely recognized as Autism Acceptance Month.

AUCD, our members, and partners have used this as an opportunity to share information relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The month has traditionally been framed as Autism Awareness Month, and April 2nd as World or International Autism Awareness Day. AUCD has shifted from "Awareness" to "Acceptance" in our April messaging. 

This shift reflects input from autistic and other community leaders, as well as our commitment to sharing how AUCD network members are advancing support, research, evidence-based interventions, inclusiveness, and advocacy for the human and civil rights of all people with ASD/DD. We hope you will consider joining us in messaging that goes beyond awareness and promotes full acceptance and appreciation of the many contributions of autistic people.

 

Why Autism?

In December 2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. First observed in 2008, it is one of only a small number of condition-specific UN days. Its purpose is to bring international attention to this complex developmental disorder that affects as many as 1 in 54 children born today, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).In December 2007, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. First observed in 2008, it is one of only a small number of condition-specific UN days. Its purpose is to bring international attention to this complex developmental disorder that affects as many as 1 in 54 children born today, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Why Focus on Telehealth?

While telehealth services in healthcare is not new, the adoption of telehealth practices across the United States has had a relatively slow rise among healthcare professionals in the last decade. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant changes, such as increased interest, research, and promising practices, in how health care is delivered virtually. Many people with disabilities, including autism, experience complex health challenges, and AUCD firmly believes that everyone should have access to health care that meets their needs. This month, we will focus on the success stories, challenges, opportunities, and research related to telehealth for people with ASD/DD and their families.

Why AUCD?

Leaders across the AUCD network are engaged in research, education, and services that seek to improve outcomes for children and youth with autism and other related neurodevelopmental disabilities through the use of telehealth technologies. AUCD network members also play significant roles in identifying and promoting best practices around telehealth, such as workflows for healthcare professionals to evaluate children for ASD via telehealth. We recognize that this work must involve true partnerships between autistic leaders and self-advocates, families and support systems, educators, researchers, service providers, assistive technology developers, and others to enact change in the delivery of and access to health care services.

What Can You Expect This Month?

AUCD staff will be using Facebook (@AUCDnetwork), Twitter (@AUCDnews), and Instagram (@aucdpix) to highlight relevant resources and webinars throughout April. We will also share our network members and partners' activites for Autism Acceptance Month. Make sure to follow AUCD on social media, stay tuned to your newsfeeds, and use the #AutismAcceptance hashtag all month long!  

For questions, contact Jackie Czyzia at [email protected].

 

April 2021 Resources and Webinars

Following is a list of upcoming webinars and resources for April 2021. Click on the links below to learn more.