April is Autism Awareness Month - 7 Things You Can Do

National Autism Awareness Month

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, ASA has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

ASA’s “Seven ways you can celebrate National Autism Awareness Month” this year:

1. Host your own event. ASA‘s 1Power4Autism is the first grassroots fundraising Web site for the autism community. It gives you an opportunity to “turn on your power” by starting an event online and the tools you need to mobilize your friends and family. Learn more at http://www.1power4autism.org/. Or for more events in your area, please visit our event calendar.


2. Get bouncing! After a successful first year, ASA and inflatable playground franchise Pump It Up are bouncing again with “Bounce for Autism” - a nationwide, community-based fundraising event that combines family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Find an event near you at http://www.bounceforautism.org/.


3. Show your colors. Wear your autism awareness puzzle bracelet to show your support. Make an online donation by March 25, and you’ll receive a free autism awareness bracelet. You can also purchase them in bulk at our online store.


4. Read a book. In The Horse Boy, Rupert Isaacson shares his inspiring story of how he and his wife learned to think of their son’s autism as an adventure rather than a curse, a beginning rather than an end. Little, Brown and Company is publishing the book on April 14, 2009, and will be partnering with the Autism Society of America to raise awareness. Both the ASA and the book aim to empower families to think creatively and openly when it comes to treatment. Learn more at http://www.horseboythebook.com/.


5. Spread awareness. ASA has free download materials to help your family, your school, your church or other community organization learn more about people with autism. ASA has developed a printable poster which can be displayed to raise awareness in your community. Our “Growing Up Together” is a new, popular pamphlet that teaches typical kids how much fun they can have with their friends on the autism spectrum. ASA’s Safe and Sound materials are also critical to keeping our citizens with autism safe. Bring our cards and pamphlets to your local police and fire station and help us spread awareness today! To learn more, please visit www.autism-society.org/research_safeandsound.


6. Take action. Getting involved in advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels is a crucial way to support legislation benefiting those with autism and their loved ones. Check out current national initiatives at www.autism-society.org/research_advo_action.


7. Become a member. A gift of $30 gives you all the benefits of membership, including access to a community that provides comfort, support and essential information to families living with autism; ASA's quarterly magazine the Autism Advocate, a leading source of information on the latest issues in autism; and valuable resource information and advocacy for autism-related issues. With your help, we can achieve our mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism. Learn more about becoming a member at www.autism-society.org/join_home.