The month of April is Autism Acceptance Month.
This April, we celebrate the unique perspective of those with autism. At the Autism Care for Toddlers (ACT) Clinics at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, we are grateful that we are able to be part of the autism community in a way that supports individuals and their families. At the ACT Clinics, we are striving to improve our understanding and knowledge of autism, clinical services and how to best support the community.
We value the perspectives of caregivers and community, which has led us to the process of gathering information from these individuals to develop community-informed educational events and resources. The goal of these trainings is to increase community and caregiver educational opportunities, community awareness and acceptance, and community partnerships to better support individuals with autism and to provide innovative, evidence-based services for individuals with autism and their families.
The ACT Clinics team has partnered with community members and organizations to provide in-person and virtual education, as well as culturally inclusive resources about autism, to the community and caregivers of clients served at the clinics. We have successfully provided several community trainings over the last couple of months and are continuing to gather information from our partners and caregivers to prioritize topics covered in these educational events. We invite others to suggest topics for future educational events here.
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, please join us in celebrating differences.
Regina Carroll, PhD, is interim director and associate professor with the integrated Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and director at the Autism Care for Toddlers (ACT) Clinic.
Mary Halbur, PhD, is assistant professor in the iCASD and supports multiple initiatives at the ACT Clinic.
Elizabeth J. Preas, PhD, is an assistant professor in the iCASD and director of the Autism Care for Toddlers in Omaha North (ACTION) Clinic.