From the Editor

Go Blue - April is Autism Awareness Month

The fourteenth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2021. Throughout the month, supporters focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.

Since COVID-19 became a global pandemic, socializing was put on the back burner, as well as many other activities involving large crowds. Many public events have been postponed or canceled, but being supportive and kind to those around us should never be put off. This 2021, we should be more committed than ever to be helpful towards those in need. The Autism community needs our constant support, kindness and compassion. If you’re active on social media, we invite you to post and use #LightUpWithKindness.

How Can You Show Some Support aside from Hash tagging on social media?

Puzzle Ribbon - The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community not just in the United States but all over the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children in America. Show your support for people and children with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon - as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism.

Connect with your neighborhoods - Many Autism Society local affiliates hold special events in their communities throughout the entire month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits you, why not create your own and invite others?

Autism-friendly and educational activities take place all month, aiming to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, foster worldwide support and inspire a kinder, more inclusive world.

Some Tampa Bay local events and workshops include;

Sensory Sensitive Sundays at

Chuck E. Cheese. Events all Month. Please visit: https://www.chuckecheese. com/eve/sensory-sensitive-sundays/

All month - April 2021, Love

Serving Autism. More details at:

www.ustaflorida.com

Please get in touch with me if you have any events you’d like to share with our community. Whether virtual or faceto-face, we’re always looking to support our community. f you’re able to, please donate to the Autism Society - your financial donation can help improve the lives of people impacted by autism. Every dollar raised by the Autism Society allows them to improve the capabilities and services of their over 100 nationwide affiliates, provide the best national resource database and contact center specializing in autism, and increase public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with ASD and their families.

Until next time, Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.