Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to today’s newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to the 5.8 million Autistic adults, this prevalence means that autism likely touches a vast majority of Americans either through relationships or direct experience, and the support needs across the autism spectrum are vastly different. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society is highlighting the diversity of experiences and needs with a reminder that acceptance happens every day.

“Autism Acceptance Month is a great reminder that we can and should see the individual, not a diagnosis, and work together to advocate for the unique services and supports that help each person live fully,” said Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “It’s critical that we all do our part. At the Autism Society, we are working at local and national levels to ensure that everyone in the autism community is connected to the resources they need, when they need them.”

In the coming year, the Autism Society plans to expand its Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) to increase healthcare provider training, accessible vaccine clinics and more equitable supports; deliver increased first responder trainings with tools and information to serve the autistic community more safely and effectively for life-saving outcomes; increase employment rates for autistic adults and advocate for fair wages and working conditions; and deepen the organizational focus on health equity to build a robust system of supports, services and resources aimed at the whole living experience – from health care options that fit the unique needs of an individual, to addressing the 820,000-person waitlist for home and community-based services through Medicaid across the country.

Annually, the Autism Society has:

• Provided direct supports for 334,000 people. Informed 1.2 million individuals looking for information and resources on the organization’s website.

• Hosted 58,000 people who attended educational events across the country.

• Taught 2,300 individuals about water safety and wandering.

• Trained 7,500 first responders on safe and effective interactions with the autism community.

• Supported 34,000 people who attended support groups including autistic individuals, parents and caregivers.

• Coordinated more than 3,700 letters to members of Congress through the Autism Society’s Action Center.

• Successfully advocated for critical bills to increase funding and/or supports within the omnibus appropriations bill, ABLE Age Adjustment Act, Money Follows the Person, Kevin & Avonte’s Law, and Assistive Technology Act, among others.

This Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society will also be unveiling a new collection of portraits across the country. Stories from participants highlight their unique strengths, challenges, hopes, and dreams in an effort to expand visibility and representation as a centerpiece of the Autism Society’s campaign.

Throughout the month of April, the Autism Society is encouraging everyone to connect and participate in the #CelebrateDifferences campaign to learn more, share information and personal stories, and join the movement to practice acceptance every day.

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately 70+ local affiliates serve more than half a million members of the autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. During Autism Acceptance Month, the Autism Society has a goal to fundraise $350,000 to expand acceptance in practice for the autism community. For more information, go to www. autismsociety.org, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.