Gifts of Acceptance

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Gifts of Acceptance is an 8-week campaign sharing personal stories from the Autism community to inspire action.

Week 1: Autism Justice Center and Public Policy

Autism Society Advocacy

Our Gifts of Acceptance campaign highlights diverse, personal, stories from the Autism community to inspire action. Gifts of Acceptance are opportunities for inclusion, supports, services, and the right to live fully. These gifts represent our work in advocacy, justice, employment, safety programming, healthcare, and more.

In 2024, the Autism Society of America has worked tirelessly to advocate for the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act. Through collaboration, determination, and the respect and leadership of our Public Policy team, the Autism Society has been at the forefront of moving this bill.

Over the past two decades, the Autism CARES Act has been a driving force in advancing our understanding of Autism and reshaping support for individuals on the spectrum. The Autism CARES Act of 2024 builds on its legacy by authorizing $2 billion over the next five years to boost Autism research, data collection, and healthcare training to support individuals with Autism.

“It is crucial for us to have the budgetary allowance to continue services for Autistic people around the country as well as fund new research, new services, and opportunities to better serve a diverse, and ever-growing body of Autistic people,” shared Kris King, member of the Autism Society’s Council of Autistic Advisors and Activist.

Collectively, the Autism community must unite to ensure we continue to build a more supported future. Your support allows us to continue our advocacy efforts to help reauthorize this critical law when Congress returns in mid-November.

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letters were sent through our Action Center advocating for the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act

Public Policy & Autism Justice Center

Everyone has the right to live fully and to understand laws that affect them. The Autism Society of America and our network of affiliates advocate at the local, state and federal levels for legislation that improves the quality of life for the Autism community. Connecting to change starts here. #GiftsOfAcceptance

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“The Autism Justice Center has been extremely helpful to myself and my Autistic, incarcerated son. Their care, concern and dedication to our issue has gone above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. Thank you so much for everything you have done and for everything you WILL do in the fight for justice for individuals on the spectrum.”

Melinda

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With your support, the Autism Society can continue its critical work through advocacy, education, resources and community programming.

With your support, we can continue to make an impact. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every little bit helps.

Upcoming Stories

Autism Society Advocacy

Week 1 – November 1

In times of uncertainty, resilience and hope remain for a better and more equitable future. As a nonpartisan organization, the Autism Society works to advocate for legislation that improves the quality of life for the Autism community. As part of our advocacy work, our Autism Justice Center extends our impact to the complex interactions of Autistic individuals with the criminal justice system. Connecting to change starts here, please consider a gift today. #GiftsOfAcceptance

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Autism Society's Founders Day

Week 2 – November 11

Coming Soon

Safety on the Spectrum: First Responders

Week 3 – November 18

Interactions between first responders and Autistic individuals can be misunderstood, stressful, and over-stimulating. Too many of these events result in restraint, arrest, improper use of force, physical and emotional trauma, and even death. The Autism Society’s First Responder Program is a national effort to promote safe and equitable interactions between First Responders and the Autism community. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

Employment Initiative

Week 4 – November 25

The Autism Society’s Employment Initiative seeks to focus on an Autistic individual’s strengths, goals, and personal employment journey. We must normalize that employment can mean part-time, full-time, volunteer, internships, and more — while acknowledging that employers are not leveraging, nor supporting, a large population of potential employees. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

Vaccine Education Initiative

Week 5 – December 2

Did you know, we’ve supported over 113k vaccinations, and trained more than 6,500 healthcare professionals? The Autism Society and our partners have had an incredible impact in a journey towards accessible healthcare and informed providers. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

Safety on the Spectrum: Water and Wandering Program

Week 6 – December 9

The Autism Society’s Water and Wandering program works to prevent wandering-related tragedies, and to increase water safety skills among Autistic individuals and their families. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

Training and Resource Center

Week 7 – December 16

First responders, healthcare professionals, employers, and educators all cite a lack of training in how to support those with Autism. With 1 in 36 people identified with Autism, there is an immediate need for increased resources and training. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

National Helpline

Week 8 – December 23

Last year, approximately half of people who contacted the Autism Society’s National Helpline were parents, and 20% were Autistic adults. Our trained information and referral specialists meet you wherever you are in your journey. #GiftsOfAcceptance

Coming Soon

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