April is Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the month, we will be celebrating our community as we foster acceptance and ignite change.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to a newly-released report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition to 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 ASCV is highlighting the diversity of experiences and needs with a reminder that acceptance happens every day.

Join us as we promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance this April. We look forward to sharing important information, valuable resources, and engaging activities throughout the month, and we hope you will share, too!

Share Your Story During Autism Acceptance Month!

This April, ASCV’s Self-Advocate Council selected the theme “Cultivating Connections.” Together, we’re growing an inclusive community where we can all thrive. We’re adding new programs, teaming up with more partners, and reaching more community members like you! Along the way, we hope your network is growing, your dreams are getting bigger, and the future is looking brighter. 

Throughout the month, we want to highlight the various ways that autistic individuals and their families are cultivating connections in our local community. If you would like to share your story or your families story, please click the button below to complete our form! 

April Events

  • Virtual Film Screening and Q&A – “Life, Animated”: Monday, April 15 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM on Zoom. 

    Join ASCV’s Self-Advocate Council for a virtual screening of the documentary “Life, Animated,” an Oscar-nominated coming-of-age story about Owen Suskind (an Autistic young man) and his family, who overcame great challenges by turning Disney-animated movies into a language to express love, loss, kinship, and brotherhood. After the film, there will be a Question & Answer period with Owen and his brother, Walter. Please join us for this evening of celebrating connections and Autism acceptance!

    CLICK HERE to learn more and register for the virtual film screening. 

  • Fundraiser Night/Meetup at Jason’s Deli – Willow Lawn:  Thursday, April 25 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Jason’s Deli – Willow Lawn.
    Come meet members of ASCV’S Self-Advocate Council, learn more about their work, and meet up with other members of our local autism community! 15% of sales from the evening will go back to the ASCV, directly supporting our programs and support services. 

Ways You Can Help Grow Awareness & Promote Acceptance

Throughout the month, we hope you will join us in growing awareness, promoting acceptance, and igniting change here in Central Virginia. Here are some things you can do:

Thank you to the members of ASCV’s Self-Advocate Council for helping us update our resource lists! 

*Disclaimer: The Autism Society of Virginia does not endorse any of the views, opinions, or statements presented in the following content. The views expressed therein are solely those of the individuals or entities involved and do not reflect the official stance or endorsement of the ASCV. Viewers/readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information provided and form their own informed opinions.

This is not a comprehensive list and just a small sampling of available resources and autistic experiences! There are many additional autistic content creators out there and we encourage viewers/readers to seek out additional resources by autistic creators!

Ways to Support the ASCV This April

During Autism Acceptance Month, we partner with local businesses to host events and raise funds to support the ASCV and our local autism community. These funds go directly towards our programs and support services, allowing us to continue to meet the needs of our growing community.
  • Fundraiser Night/Meetup at Jason’s Deli – Willow Lawn:  Thursday, April 25 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Jason’s Deli – Willow Lawn.
    Come meet members of ASCV’S Self-Advocate Council, learn more about their work, and meet up with other members of our local autism community! 15% of sales from the evening will go back to the ASCV, directly supporting our programs and support services. 

  • Form a team for the ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day and fundraise together! The ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day will return to Crump Park on May 18, 2024, with our 5K run/walk, a Resource Fair, family fun, and more!  Visit ascv5K.org to register.

  • Create a Facebook fundraiser for the ASCV. Share how the ASCV has helped you grow, and how the funds you raise will provide important programming and resources to local individuals with autism and their families. Make a video or piece of art to accompany the fundraiser and share with friends and family through email.

  • Join the ASCV as a member! Visit https://ascv.org/membership/ to learn more about our membership options, including our new Ally Membership!

  • Volunteer at an upcoming program or event! 

  • Participate in the Kroger Rewards Program.  To register, log into your account, then search for the Autism Society Central Virginia (#LS065) and click “enroll.”  After you enroll, anytime you use your Kroger Rewards card, your purchase will count toward the ASCV.  (From December 2022 through February of 2023, 67 households donated $330 to the ASCV!)

For more specific information about the ideas included above,  email us at [email protected].