Why Action Behavior Centers Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month
What is Autism Acceptance Month?
Autism Acceptance Month takes place every April. It started as Autism Awareness Month, but over time, the focus has shifted. Today, families, providers, and advocates highlight the importance of acceptance, not just awareness.
Acceptance means more than knowing about autism. It means understanding different needs, breaking down stereotypes, and helping children with autism feel supported, welcomed, and confident in themselves.
When is Autism Acceptance Month?
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the United Nations has set April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Throughout the month, many organizations, schools, and communities hold events to celebrate children with autism and their families.
Why celebrate Autism Acceptance vs. Awareness Month?
There’s an important difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance:
- Awareness means knowing that autism exists.
- Acceptance means respecting people with autism and supporting them just as they are.
At ABC, we choose autism acceptance because it reflects our core values of Caring, Learning, Excellence, Team, and Fun. As providers of ABA therapy for autism, we work every day with amazing children on the autism spectrum. We see their strengths, talents, and unique ways of experiencing the world. Acceptance means celebrating those differences and making sure children with autism are included in their schools, communities, and beyond.
How Action Behavior Centers is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
This April, we’re celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by recognizing the voices and stories of the families and children we serve. Here’s how:
- Family stories: Throughout the month, we’ll feature personal experiences from our clinicians and families receiving autism services at ABC.
- Art Walk: We’re hosting our 5th Annual Art Walk for parents at each of our ABA therapy centers to celebrate each child’s creativity.
- Teammate recognition: We’re spotlighting our incredible ABA therapists and BCBAs who go above and beyond to support our families every day.
- Autism Acceptance Infinity Symbol: Look for the rainbow infinity symbol and the color red in our centers and online. These are signs of acceptance and support for neurodiversity!
How families can join the action
Families play a huge role in spreading autism acceptance. Here are a few ways to celebrate with your child:
- Learn more about autism: Our About Autism page is a great place to start!
- Get autism diagnostic support: Our no-cost ASD evaluation support includes online autism screening tools for children of all ages and face-to-face ADOS-2 assessments for children ages 18 months to 6 years old.
- Join local events: Look for Autism Acceptance walks and sensory-friendly activities in your area.
- Talk about it: Have conversations with your child’s school, friends, and family about what autism is and why acceptance is so important.
ABC’s ongoing commitment to autism acceptance
Autism Acceptance Month is a time to celebrate and reflect—but our work doesn’t stop in April. At Action Behavior Centers, our commitment to acceptance lasts all year. Every day, we work to:
- Provide compassionate, personalized ABA therapy
- Support families with education and resources
- Champion neurodiversity in everything we do
We believe autism acceptance makes a difference. We’re proud to stand with our families and help create a world where every child with autism feels seen, understood, and celebrated.
Autism acceptance resources
Want to learn more or share with others? Start here:
Websites about autism & autism acceptance
Videos & on-demand autism webinars
- Amazing Things Happen
- Sesame Street: Meet Julia
- Things I Wish I Knew with Moms Talk Autism
- Potty Training Tips with Precious Hill
- Navigating Relationships with Lise Smith from Love on the Spectrum
Autistic-owned & autism-friendly companies
- Jordyn's Summer Shirt Project
- Designs by Siri
- JT Firestarters
- Popcorn for the People
- AutonomyWorks
- Ultranauts
- VenturesATL
- Peace Love Autism
Books about autism acceptance
- Too Sticky!: Sensory Issues With Autism by Jen Malia
- Rogue by Len Miller-Lachmann
- Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
- Why Johnny Doesn’t Flap: NT Is OK! by Clay Morton and Gail Morton
- Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla
- Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
- Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
- Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger’s by John Elder Robison
- Different—A Great Thing to Be! by Heather Avis
- Acceptance Is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
- The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen Sabin
- Alex and His Magical Colors: An Autism Discovery Story by Dr. Joe Denham
- Forever Boy by Kate Swenson
At Action Behavior Centers; we strive to provide compassionate care for children on the autism spectrum. We believe that early Intervention can be a great foundation in building a brighter future with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABC is committed to getting your child started as soon as possible because every moment counts.
Your child is accepted here
At Action Behavior Centers, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard method for helping children with autism. Our evidence-based therapies are carefully crafted to meet your child’s needs and unlock their strengths and abilities.
