April is Autism Acceptance Month, a month that promotes acceptance and inclusion amongst the Autism community and their allies.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
- It is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
- These brain differences may cause people with ASD to behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are often different from others.
- They may experience social communication and interaction challenges and may have repetitive behaviors.
- The abilities of people with ASD vary widely. Some are nonverbal and require help for daily living activities. Others can live and work with little assistance.
- More information is available from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from the Autism Society.
Did you know?
- 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism.
- The diagnosis rate for Autism is rising by 10-17% each year. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States.
- Over 7 million individuals in the United States are on the Autism spectrum.
- Vaccines do not cause Autism.
- Autism affects ALL ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
- Boys are 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Autism.
- Anxiety disorders affect up to 40% of individuals with Autism.
- Children who receive an Autism diagnosis by age 4 are 50 times more likely to receive services.
- In the next decade 700,000 – 1,000,000 Autistic teens will enter adulthood and age out of school-based services.
- 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability, 25% are in the borderline range and 44% have average to above-average IQ scores.
- Infographic summarizing Autism signs and symptoms, facts and how to get the help you need.
Events and Workshops
Child and Family Events
- Sensory-Friendly Playtime at Marbles Kids Museum. FREE events for kids with disabilities and their families to experience Marbles in a calmer, quieter, environment. For all dates: register to get FREE tickets. Limited number of families allowed.
- Wednesday, April 17, 2024: 5:30 p.m.
- Monday, April 29, 2024: 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024: 5:30 p.m.
- Rainbow Dance Company, Thursday, April 11, 2024: 7:00 p.m. A sensory-friendly performance.
- American’s Musical Journey: a sensory-friendly movie at Marbles Museum. Wednesday, April 17, 2024; 5:30 – 5:30. Lights up and sound down movie. Registration to the Sensory-Friendly Playtime on April 17th above is required to view the movie for free.
- The Sensory-Friendly ComedyWorx Show, a modified, sensory-friendly family-friendly improv show. Saturday, April 27, 2024: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. $8.00
Adult Events
- In-Person
- Johnston County Autism Support Group Coffee Chat 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. April 13, 2024. The Ugly Mug Bean and Brew, 51-E Technology Dr., Garner. No RSVP or registration is required.
- ASNC Wake Parents of Teens with Autism Group, Sat April 27, 2024 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. No RSVP or registration is required. Email Cheryl at walflagg@aol.com to be added to their email list. Autism Society of North Carolina Creative Living Center, 6300 Chapel Hill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
- Virtual
- Central NC Parents of Adults with Autism Lunch n Learn: Living Independently April 9, 2024, 12:00 – 1:00. Meeting details.
To learn more about Autism Acceptance Month or to get involved in Employee Resource Groups at UNC Health, email equityinclusion@unchealth.unc.edu.