OMAHA, NE – World Autism Day is April 2, 2022. It is a day to honor the unique experiences of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder and is the kick-off to Autism Acceptance Month in April. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication impairments, restrictive and repetitive behaviors and diverse sensory needs. One in 44 children is being diagnosed with ASD.
Together with the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) and WhyArts, Autism Action Partnership (AAP) is excited to host a World Autism Day Celebration at KANEKO on Saturday, April 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. 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 the interactive installations and connect with the national experts behind these innovative works. They also will have an opportunity to participate in dance/movement and visual arts activities put on by WhyArts.
Media is encouraged to visit KANEKO on April 2 from noon to 1 p.m. to capture photos, videos and/or interviews with a few families invited to arrive prior to the event start time.
"AAP and MMI have been working in partnership for more than a decade to leverage our resources and improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families," said Justin Dougherty, President/CEO of AAP. This April, during Autism Acceptance Month, they once again will work together to shine a light on autism and neurodiversity.
Citizens and businesses are encouraged to access the Autism Acceptance Month Toolkit here: https://bit.ly/MMI-AAP-AutismAcceptanceToolkit to find other ways to show their support of the local autism community.
To learn more about Common Senses Festival, visit https://commonsensesfestival.com/ and follow us on social (https://www.facebook.com/commonsensesfestival on Facebook and @csensesfest on Instagram).
About Autism Action Partnership
Autism Action Partnership serves the Nebraska autism community by providing support to families, advancing inclusion throughout our community and creating pathways to prosperity. www.AutismAction.org
About Munroe-Meyer Institute
UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute transforms the lives of individuals with disabilities and special health care needs, their families and communities through outreach, engagement, premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
Please be sure to follow MMI and AAP social media accounts for more information regarding all the ways to celebrate with us.
Munroe-Meyer Institute Social Media:
MMI | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Autism Action Partnership Social Media:
AAP | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.