Autism Acceptance Month

We continue to blaze trails but have shifted our focus to the needs of spectrum teens and adults, laying groundwork for “life after graduation” and independent living. Currently, there are few resources equipped to support person-centered ambitions to secure and sustain meaningful employment and safe living in a home of their own with trusted friends and a network of natural supports they can reach out to in times of need.

Whether these special young men and women choose to pursue a college degree, further skills through trade courses, or jump straight into a job, we offer shoulders to lean on, occasions to learn, opportunities to explore and resources to support these earnest individuals through tumultuous times of transition to new beginnings that are self-directed and fulfilling.

TACA provides education, support and hope to families living with autism

A resource guide from Autism Speaks, to look up resources, providers and health resources. Look up by filters and enter location to search the resources.

Discusses awareness versus acceptance. In 1970, the Autism Society established April as Autism Awareness Month to help people recognize the signs of autism and learn more about what it is like to live with autism. The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2008. In 2011, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) began calling April “Autism Acceptance Month.” In 2021, Autism Society of America made the same change.

The California Autism Center and Learning Group (CAC) was founded in 2014 with the intent to bring client-focused center-based ABA services to the Central Valley. Born and raised in the Fresno area, William Forath, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, sought to build a new kind of center and a new kind hope for families in his community with some of the best, brightest, and most talented clinicians in the Fresno area.

California Autism Foundation (CAF) is a 501(c)3 located in Richmond, California. CAF is a leading provider of full life services to all people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Serving Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, and San Francisco Counties, since 1982 CAF has been providing nurturing, individualized educational, employment and residential programs and services to both children and adults.

The California Autism Network was designed not only to provide communication and transition training, but to create a network of people who support and understand each other. We are here to ensure that individuals with autism receive the support they need to succeed not only as a professional, but as a person seeking a full and satisfying life.

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.

Consumers know best what supports and services they need to live independently and to actively participate in their communities. Through advocacy, capacity building and systemic change, SCDD works to achieve a consumer and family-based system of individualized services, supports, and other assistance.

The Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) provides support for the HHS National Autism Coordinator and oversees the management of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).The role of National Autism Coordinator was created by Congress to facilitate coordination and implementation of autism activities across federal departments and agencies.

The Department on Disability and the Commission on Disability work together to respond to the needs and concerns of citizens in the City of Los Angeles. The Commission advocates for people with disabilities and serves in an advisory capacity to the Department. The Commission holds public hearings on critical issues, identifies priority issues to be addressed, and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.

OAR was founded in December 2001 by seven individuals whose lives and families had been directly impacted by autism. They shared a common vision and set out on a singular mission – to apply science to answer the daily questions and challenges that autism presents to autistic individuals, their families, teachers, and caregivers.

There are many organizations dedicated to autism. What distinguishes OAR is our singular focus on applied research and the quality and practical value of our resource materials. The studies we fund and the information resources we provide have meaning in the day-to-day lives of autistic people and those who support them personally and professionally. Rather than fund research on what causes autism, we fund studies on topics of more everyday relevance such as education, parent and teacher training, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, behavior, and adult and community issues. In all our efforts, our ultimate focus is quality of life.

Links from Reading Rocket of top organizations and advocacy groups.

This website is to teach you all about autism. This website was made by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). ASAN is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. We work to make sure autistic people are always in charge of our own lives. We fight for the rights of autistic people, and make sure our voices are heard whenever other people talk about autism. Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Autism Acceptance Month is sponsored by the Autism Society. Throughout April, the Autism Society invites Autistic individuals, their families and friends to honor their wide range of experiences by taking time to share stories on social media through the #CelebrateDifferences hashtag. No family or individual’s story is the same as any other, and the Autism Society believes the world should recognize the infinite ways the Autism community experiences life.

From the Autism Society: For 58 years and counting, the Autism Society, including our nationwide network of affiliates, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming.

Provided by GovInfo, gives related legislation.

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee provided by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The California Autism Network was designed not only to provide communication and transition training, but to create a network of people who support and understand each other. We are here to ensure that individuals with autism receive the support they need to succeed not only as a professional, but as a person seeking a full and satisfying life.

DDS oversees the coordination and delivery of services for Californians with developmental disabilities through a statewide network of 21 community-based, non-profit agencies known as regional centers. Regional centers provide assessments, determine eligibility for services, and offer case management services. Regional centers also develop, purchase, and coordinate the services in each person’s Individual Program Plan.

Future Horizons was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapists, and family members who face the challenge of autism. Our books, videos, and conferences bring you the most current information possible to aid in that challenge.