Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Has Ended, But Inclusion Is Ongoing

April is recognized as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, and April 2 marked World Autism Day — a time to celebrate autistic individuals, learn from their experiences, and renew our commitment to building a world where inclusion comes naturally. While the month has come to a close, the work of advancing inclusion and understanding continues every day.

We know that sharing knowledge and raising awareness about available resources, services, and inclusive opportunities are a key part of this effort. Across our programs, we provide a variety of supports and information to help people connect, grow, succeed, and foster inclusion and acceptance.

Family Empowerment is a DDS Family Support Center in Franklin and Hampshire counties, and Autism Connections is a DDS Autism Support Center, serving the four counties of western Massachusetts. Autism Connections provides information, resources, and practical help for children, teens and adults with autism. Family Empowerment provides similar services for people with developmental disabilities of all kinds and autism, as well as their families, caretakers, friends, and professionals.

Both programs help families build on their strengths, work together to create a positive vision for the future, and help people learn, grow, and be welcomed, fully included members of their communities.

Whole Children™ and Milestones offer after-school and Saturday programs for people of all ages. Their classes are open to everyone but are designed to be especially accessible for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. Classes are social and recreational, giving participants the freedom to pursue their interests, build skills, and develop meaningful friendships.

In addition to classes, Milestones also offers an adult day program, providing ongoing opportunities for connection, personal growth, and community involvement for adults with disabilities.

REACH Early Childhood Intervention works with children from birth to age three who have various risk factors or developmental delays, including autism. REACH forms a partnership with parents to assure their children receive the best possible start and transition to preschool.

Prospect Meadow Farm is a therapeutic, vocational farming program in Hatfield and Pittsfield and provides meaningful employment and activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and autism. The program builds on the experience and interests of each participant and helps them develop vocational skills they can apply to work at the farm or others parts of their life.

Skillbuilders Makerspace+ is a community-based day program for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and autism. It provides an environment where participants can explore their passions and learn new skills like ceramics, textiles, painting, and engage in collaborative activities that enrich their lives.

Together, these programs reflect our ongoing commitment to creating spaces where autistic individuals and their families feel supported, valued, and empowered every day of the year.