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Autism Acceptance Month – Learn, Advocate and Build Inclusion Here on the Suncoast

| Angela Naff |

As of 2020, one in every 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with Autism. This complex developmental condition affects a person’s ability to interact with the community and live the best life possible. Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us. Education about the complexities of Autism, advocating for those diagnosed, and helping build an inclusive society are all cornerstones that the Autism Society aims for during this month and truly every day.

Photo Courtesy of Autism Society

This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its fifth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. Every day, this organization strives to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live the most fulfilled life possible. This organization believes that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need when they need it. And by everyone, we mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you. Donations are one way to help this amazing endeavor. Donations in a variety of amounts are always appreciated and will help in the following manners:

  • $25 provides one hour of support from the Autism Society of America’s National Helpline.
  • $50 supports the development of social stories, checklists, and communication boards.
  • $100 goes towards federal advocacy efforts for human rights.
  • $250 supports National program development for employment, first responder training, safety and wandering, and more.

In our communities, there is a lot we can do to help facilitate change to resources and advocacy for those living with autism. One such event will be Autism Day at the Capital, including several pressing matters impacting those diagnosed with Autism, including drawing prevention, first response training for helping patients with autism, and other critical topics.

Autism at the Capital

Additionally, Visit Orlando, to honor National Autism Acceptance Month, is highlighting some of the top Orlando vacation resources, destinations, and events designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing needs. Whether you’re commemorating Autism Acceptance Month in April or looking for inclusive fun all year, we’re here to help you enjoy an unforgettable, sensory-friendly Orlando vacation experience. See the guide HERE.

In Sarasota, HopeBridge360 is an Autism Therapy Center aimed at giving children with autism diagnosis the possible chance at success. Hopebridge360 is a comprehensive and coordinated treatment plan that provides a full range of professional services in one location for a child with autism and other developmental delays. Contact us to schedule diagnostic evaluations, applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), and even more autism services, all in one facility near you in the Sarasota area.

Whether impacted by a diagnosis of Autism in your family or know someone, this complex diagnosis can be daunting for many. April is geared toward accepting, advocating, and learning manners in which we all can create inclusive communities to best support those with this diagnosis, along with supporting caretakers who are tasked with helping those with this diagnosis. There is a bunch of amazing

Happy Autism Awareness Month, Suncoast! Let’s all get involved and make our communities the most inclusive possible!

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

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