April is nationally recognized as a month to support, celebrate, and recognize members of the autistic communities and their families.
Autism encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions, with no two autistic people affected alike. What autistic people of all ages do have in common is that they live, work, and play in our communities every day.
Through the efforts of autistic people, their friends, families, and allies, acceptance and understanding of autism and quality of life for autistic people is improving all the time.
Awareness and Acceptance
While April is best known in the autism community as Autism Awareness Month, some prefer Autism Acceptance Month.
According to the official Autism Acceptance Month website, autism acceptance “means embracing autism as a natural part of the spectrum of human diversity and accepting autism as one of many different legitimate, meaningful, and valuable ways of experiencing the world.”
This is in contract to thinking of autism that needs to be overcome or cured. Which term you prefer will depend on your preferences, ideals, and relationships. But the important thing is that you take the opportunity in April to support and encourage better understanding and outcomes for autistic family, friends, and neighbors.
Upcoming Autism Events in Connecticut
If you’re in Connecticut, there are several events coming up to help raise money, awareness, and community for autistic people in the state. Here are just a few.
Puzzlethon™ for Autism
When:
Saturday, April 22, 2017
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where:
Franklin Elementary School
206 Pond Road
North Franklin, CT 06254
What:
Sponsored by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Autism Services & Resources Connecticut, Autism Puzzlethon™ is a one-of-a-kind event that provides an opportunity for Connecticut residents to participate in a social activity that everyone enjoys, with fundraising that supports the local autism community by providing fundraising for ASRC programs and services.
Wrestling for Autism
When:
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Where:
Joseph A. Melilo Middle School
67 Hudson Street, East Haven, CT
What:
Sponsored by KO Autism CT, Wrestling for Autism is an amateur pro wrestling event with proceeds from ticket sales going to ASRC.
2nd Annual Alpha Phi Delta Car Show
When:
Sunday, April 23, 2017
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where:
114 Farnham Avenue
(SCSU Lot #9)
New Haven, CT 06511
What:
Alpha Phi Delta at Southern Connecticut State University hosts a car show to help raise money for Autsim awareness. Tickets are $10, and a rain date has been set for April 30.
2017 ASRC Walk for Autism
When:
Sunday, May 7, 2017
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where:
Lyman Hall High School
70 Wharton Brook Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
What:
Also by Autism Services & Resources Connecticut, the ASRC Walk for Autism is dedicated to raising money to support the organization’s work and promote autism awareness across the state. Includes entertainment, raffles, food trucks, and more.
More Resources in Connecticut
- Autism Services & Resources Connecticut
- CT Families for Effective Autism Treatment
- Autism Society of Connecticut
- CT Department of Developmental Services, Division of Autism Spectrum Disorder Services
How Cheshire Fitness Zone Helps Children with Autism Across CT
Autism can present many particular challenges for children as they learn and grow. For over 15 years, Cheshire Fitness Zone has helped autistic children and many more thrive across many Connecticut communities by offering services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, aquatic therapy, and more.
Get in touch to learn more or read these resources on our blog:
- Why Should You Use Aquatic Therapy for Children With Autism?
- How Do You Help Kids With Autism Communicate Better?
- Tackling Autism with Speech Therapy
- How to Recognize Early Signs of Autism in Your Child
5 Ways Occupational Therapy Can Improve an Autistic Child’s Quality of Life
