04/03/2023
STATE OF ALABAMA
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
RSA UNION BUILDING
100 NORTH UNION STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 301410
MONTGOMERY, AL 36130-1410
WWW.MH.ALABAMA.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2023
CONTACT: Public Information
334-242-3417
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Celebrating Differences, Creating Connections, Empowering Communities
Montgomery, Ala. - Join the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) as we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Throughout the month, ADMH and partners, such as the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC), the Regional Autism Network, and Autism Support of Alabama, among many others, will share messages and personal stories of awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity, beginning with the signing of the Proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month by Governor Kay Ivey.
We invite you to share in the Autism Society’s celebration and resources, which encourages acceptance and to celebrates differences. The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections and empower everyone in the Autism community, with the resources needed to live fully. What can you do? Learn more here.
According to Autism Speaks, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. One in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Centers for Disease Control (2021). ASD is more than four times more common among boys than among girls. More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.
Signs of autism usually appear by age two or three. Some associated developmental delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Over the years, the number of individuals diagnosed with ASD has increased, but research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
The ADMH Office of Autism Services values the uniqueness of all individuals and strives to provide comprehensive supports, serving hundreds of children and youth and their families, throughout all regions of the state. To learn more about the office and services offered, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/autism-services/.
ADMH leads the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC), which was created to meet the urgent and substantial need to develop and implement a statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
The Regional Autism Network (RAN) is supported by the AIACC and consists of five universities that serve as hubs for professional training programs, technical assistance and consultation services, direct assistance, and public education programs. The RAN is staffed by experts in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The RAN networks are housed at Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and University of South Alabama. Each Regional Autism Network strives to connect people with ASD, their families, educators, and service providers to the information and/or services that best meet their needs.
Many events take place in the month of April to celebrate individuals with ASD, their families, and professionals who work in the field. For example, Alabamians will take part in the virtual or community Every Step Matters Walk for Autism in support of the one in 44 individuals affected by autism. Registration is open at https://www.walkforautismal.com/. Proceeds from the walks fund camps, family grants, safety initiatives, and more. Now more than ever, individuals with autism and their families need you!
