See below for a full listing of all of the April 2022 campaign posts to date. April is widely recognized as Autism Acceptance Month.

AUCD, our members, and partners have used this as an opportunity to share information relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The month has traditionally been framed as Autism Awareness Month and April 2nd as World or International Autism Awareness Day. AUCD has shifted from "Awareness" to "Acceptance" in our April messaging. 

This shift reflects input from autistic and other community leaders, as well as our commitment to sharing how AUCD network members are advancing support, research, evidence-based interventions, inclusiveness, and advocacy for the human and civil rights of all people with ASD/DD. We hope you will consider joining us in messaging that goes beyond awareness and promotes full acceptance and appreciation of the many contributions of autistic people.

Sponsored by AUCD's Autism SIG and ITAC, AUCD is hosting a series of webinars focused on mental health and ASD.

Why Focus on Mental Health?

Autism and co-morbid mental health illnesses are often discussed and studied in the disability and medical communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has health professionals from across disciplines understanding the need to truly focus on mental health. The social isolation, disruption of routine, overall sense of loss has impacted the mental health of all populations. During Autism Acceptance Month we will focus on the importance of mental health parity laws, suicide prevention, support, and social skills development of autistic people.   

Why AUCD?

Leaders across the AUCD network are engaged in research, education, and services that seek to improve outcomes for children and youth with autism and other related neurodevelopmental disabilities through the use of telehealth technologies. AUCD network members also play significant roles in identifying and promoting best practices around telehealth, such as workflows for healthcare professionals to evaluate children for ASD via telehealth. We recognize that this work must involve true partnerships between autistic leaders and self-advocates, families and support systems, educators, researchers, service providers, assistive technology developers, and others to enact change in the delivery of and access to health care services.

What Can You Expect This Month?

AUCD staff will be using Facebook (@AUCDnetwork), Twitter (@AUCDnews), and Instagram (@aucdpix) to highlight relevant resources and webinars throughout April. We will also share our network members' and partners' activities for Autism Acceptance Month. Make sure to follow AUCD on social media, stay tuned to your newsfeeds, and use the #AutismAcceptance hashtag all month long!  

For questions, contact Rachel Miller at [email protected].

April 2022 Resources and Webinars

Following is a list of upcoming webinars and resources for April 2022. Click on the links below to learn more.