April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the Autism Society Greater New Orleans Offers Programs for Autistic Adults, Caregivers, First Responders, Healthcare providers, and Educators.
New Orleans, LA — This April, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans is inviting the Autism community to be the connection to resources, acceptance, and each other. Autism Acceptance Month kicks off on April 1st, and the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans celebrates the varied experiences within the Autism community and highlights the critical need for us to put acceptance into action.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States with increasing prevalence rates continuing to create the urgent need for equitable supports and services. 1 in 36 children are diagnosed in the United States which can be attributed to a variety of factors – primarily improved diagnostic screening and identification.
“Autism Acceptance Month provides us with an opportunity to take action through acceptance to provide the Autism community with the supports, services, and resources needed.” states Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans .“The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans has continued to offer programs that break down barriers and increase community knowledge and accessibility such as our First Responder Training Program, our Vaccine Education Initiative, and our Educator Training opportunities.”
The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans’ education programs include a focus on First Responder training, inclusive healthcare training, and training for educators on sensory inclusion in the classroom. In addition, our health equity priorities expanded our Vaccine Education Initiative to address systemic barriers and promote vaccine education, confidence and access. Lastly, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans offers a Helpline which provides free, individualized information and referral services to connect the community to the resources they need – in 2023 our helpline supported over 700 contacts, representing an over 200% increase in utilization over the last two years.
The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans also hosts monthly, free, online support groups for caregivers in both English and Spanish, and a social group for Autistic Adults that meets twice a month. Families and individuals also have chances for in-person connections through our inclusive community events, and our family outings program.
Together, we are connecting Autistic individuals, their families, friends, and support teams with our #CelebrateDifferences theme. Our goal is to highlight the infinite ways in which people experience life and how we can take action to provide the support that’s needed. Acceptance starts with an understanding that everyone’s experiences are unique and valid, creating a space for each member of the Autism community to speak openly without judgment.
As a part of our #CelebrateDifferences theme, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans will collect community stories with our “Road to Acceptance” project. This opportunity will engage community members to reflect on acts of acceptance, moments of challenges, and opportunities for greater inclusion. Interviews will be recorded on video during our 19th Annual Autism Festival on April 20th from 11 AM-3PM at the Westwego Farmers Market.
About the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans
The Autism Society of Greater New Orleans’ mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. ASGNO is part of the of the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and is one of 70+ affiliates which collectively serve over 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, community programming, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. For more information, go to www.asgno.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.