Autism Acceptance Month

stock photo of bright blue background with two rows of all white puzzle pieces with one piece unconnected; text overlay: autism acceptance; credit: Canva

April is Autism Acceptance Month 

Every single day of the year, the Munroe-Meyer Institute and our community partner, Autism Action Partnership, celebrate individuals on the autism spectrum. But in April, we go BIG! Because April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we think that deserves a little more.

Autism Acceptance Month (April) and World Autism Day (April 2) are a chance to raise awareness for the acceptance and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum.

2022 Participation Toolkit

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Web page & toolkit updated on 3-31-2022.

A Shift from Awareness to Acceptance

In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. April was recognized as World Autism Month and was widely referred to as Autism Awareness Month. For over a decade many people across the world have celebrated the differences of those living with autism using this language.

But in recent years, some advocates have called for a change reminding us that although education about autism is important, inclusion is a critical factor needed to show support for their community. In response, there has been an intentional evolution to deem April as Autism Acceptance Month.

In 2021, we shifted our language to match the growing need for acceptance within the autism community. While building awareness is a good foundation, acceptance and inclusion promotes action.

Celebration Schedule

Share Your Support on Social

Update your social media profile photo using one of our World Autism Acceptance Month images.

Autism Acceptance Month social media profile image - blue  Autism Acceptance Month social media profile image - yellow  Autism Acceptance Month social media profile image - orange

Download an image from the color choices below:

A SPECTRUM OF OPINIONS

The spectrum of Autism also includes differences in perspective. Please take a moment to learn the different ways autism advocates choose to be recognized and celebrated. Above all, please understand that Munroe-Meyer Institute and Autism Action Partnership support the Light It Up movement as well as people with advocacy viewpoints that align with other color symbolism.

The ultimate goal for ALL OF US is to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change.

April 2  World Autism Day

Celebrate World Autism Day with MMI and AAP at KANEKO

World Autism Day | Omaha – get a SNEAK PEEK of Common Senses Festival before it opens to the public!

Together with UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) and WhyArts, Autism Action Partnership (AAP) is excited to host a World Autism Day Celebration at KANEKO.

  • Saturday, April 2nd, 1-4 p.m.
  • At KANEKO - 1111 Jones Street, Omaha, NE

Members of the autism community are invited to an exclusive first viewing of the Common Senses Festival installations housed at KANEKO. During this event, individuals with autism and their families can engage in interactive installations every 30 minutes and connect with the national experts behind these innovative works. They will also have an opportunity to participate in dance/movement and visual arts activities put on by WhyArts. No need to register ahead of time. We hope to see you there!

Beyond April 2

Common Senses Festival

Explore the human senses during April 2022.

Common Senses Festival, a production of Autism Action Partnership is a multi-faceted, city-wide festival during the month of April. Attendees will experience interactive installations, live performances for neurodiverse communities, and lectures from experts who dedicate their work to cutting-edge research and technologies that promote inclusion in our community. Events are sensory-friendly and there are events for EVERYONE in the community.

Learn more about Common Senses Festival and view the full schedule of events. Join us!

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Autism Programs, Services & Supports and Contacts Information

Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), UNMC

6902 Pine Street | Omaha, Nebraska 68106
For more information, email MMI's Community Engagement department

MMI's mission is to lead the world in transforming the lives of all individuals with disabilities and special health care needs, their families and communities through outreach, engagement, premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.

The integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (iCASD) at MMI serves families of children with autism spectrum disorder and related disorders through comprehensive and effective treatments for autism spectrum disorders. Learn more about the iCASD program.

Autism Action Partnership (AAP)

10110 Nicholas Street, Suite 202 | Omaha, Nebraska 68114
https://autismaction.org  |  Email AAP  |  402-763-8830

AAP's mission is to improve the quality of life of persons on the autism spectrum and their families through education, advocacy and support, thereby enabling them to be an integral part of the community.

Autism Action Partnership serves the Nebraska autism community by providing support to families, advancing inclusion throughout our community, and creating pathways to prosperity.