World Autism Month Kickoff: How to Get Involved

How You Can Support the Autism Population from Your Community

We talk about it every year, but with 1 in 31 children in the United States diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the autism community needs us more than ever. With World Autism Month in April and World Autism Awareness Day on Apr. 2, there are plenty of ways to celebrate these amazing individuals and show your support for them.

In an effort to spread awareness and education around autism while also pumping some cheer into your neighborhoods, we at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers came up with a few ideas on how to get involved this month and show up for the autism community all year long.

Whether you are a family member of someone on the spectrum or a concerned friend of the community hoping to commit yourself to the cause, here are some ways you can contribute.

8 Ways to Get Involved in World Autism Month

1. Wear your support.
   From t-shirts embellished with phrases like “The World Needs All Kinds of Minds,” “Just Keep Stimming,” and “What’s your superpower?” to hats and water bottles adorned with autism elements, Hopebridge plans to have you covered–literally! The Hopebridge Family Store has fun and fashionable pieces to outfit its kiddos, siblings and parents to support our shared cause.
2. Participate in local autism events.
   Many organizations host autism walks and races during April, so consider putting on some of your new Hopebridge shirts and joining in the fun! Or, if staying closer to home is better for you and your family, make some signs and take a walk around the neighborhood to spread awareness. Don’t yet see the event you’re hoping for? Create your own online World Autism Month celebration to get your friends and family “moving” in the name of ASD!
3. Spread the news digitally.
   In addition to gathering and showing off your autism pride in person, follow Hopebridge360 on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok during the month of April to connect with others supporting autism awareness and acceptance. Snap photos of your family sporting your Hopebridge gear and post it to social media using hashtags like, #WorldAutismMonth, #WAM, #AutismFamily and #Hopebridge as a way to continue to celebrate with each other across the country.
4. Show off your spirit through your home.
   Want to spread the word throughout your neighborhood? Our Hopebridge Family Store offers a range of yard signs and license plates to share your support from the front lawn and throughout town. Some people like to “light it up blue” and incorporate the puzzle piece symbolism, whereas others were gold or red (#redinstead) and prefer the rainbow infinity symbol–choose what works best for your loved ones!
   
   For an easy, and free, activity for your own children, have them show their support with these coloring pages and activities. This April, anyone can make the world a little more colorful while dreaming big. They’re sweet additions to any fridge!
   
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5. Listen and learn about autism.
   One of the most meaningful ways to support the autism community is by taking time to listen and learn. Attend local events, explore trusted resources and, most importantly, seek out and uplift autistic voices to better understand their experiences. Allyship and advocacy starts with listening—creating space to learn from individuals on the spectrum and helping share their voices in ways that are authentic to them.
6. Pledge to volunteer your help.
   One of the best ways you can show a loved one with autism you care is to volunteer your time. There is no one right way to volunteer. What this looks like depends on the time, skills and resources you have available, as well as the needs of those you want to support. This could mean offering to drop off some groceries to an autism parent who might have difficulties leaving the house or mailing a “voucher” for a free hour of babysitting to a family who could benefit from a little respite. If you are looking to go bigger, contact your local autism organizations to find out what help they may need at this time or in the future.
7. Become an autism advocate.
   Are you the superfan of someone with autism? Now’s your chance to serve as an advocate. Like volunteering, there are a number of ways you can get involved. Advocating can be as simple as taking a pledge; for example, check out Autism Society’s #CelebrateDifferences campaign or Autism Speaks’ #LeadWithKindness campaign. You can also reach out directly to your state representatives to share your support for specific legislation as it relates to the autism community. Many organizations have programs in place to walk people through the available opportunities, such as Autism Speaks’ advocacy and ally opportunities, which range from speaking up for autism-friendly legislation to learning how to share accurate information with your school, workplace and community.
8. Join the mission.
   Want to make a lasting difference in the lives of children with autism? Join the Hopebridge team as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), board certified behavior analysis (BCBA), occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist or one of our other impactful roles! Our clinicians provide life-changing care through evidence-based therapy, compassion and connection. Explore open roles and take the next step toward a meaningful career supporting the autism community.

We hope setting aside at least a few minutes to share the love for those around us will inspire you and those around you, while putting a spotlight on the importance of acceptance, awareness and support for the autism community.

For more information on Hopebridge’s involvement in the autism community, please contact us to learn about our centers and programs across the nation.