This October, we highlight National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), International AAC Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15), National Bullying Prevention Month, Training and Resource Center promotion, and featured Autism Society resources. Our public policy resources include election resource page, and voting guide, newly updated respite services locator, and a fact sheet on the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act.

Autism Society Training and Resource Center (LMS)

The Autism Society launched the Autism Society Training and Resource Center, an online learning platform offering training courses and high-impact resources, in July 2024. This platform will strengthen connections to training and resources on a national scale, tailored to support the diverse needs of the Autism community.

The Foundations of Autism course package is designed to provide an exploration of Autism, introducing basic concepts and key characteristics. We’re excited to announce the launch of two additional courses on the platform! Becoming an Autism-Informed Organization: Understanding Autism and the Workplace, which is launching Oct 1st, is designed to help individuals and organizations create inclusive workplaces for Autistic individuals. It covers the basics of Autism, neurodiversity, workplace challenges, and the importance of accommodations and disclosure to foster acceptance, understanding and positive change. Becoming an Autism-Informed Organization: Supporting Information Processing and Executive Functioning, which is launching Oct 22nd is designed to deepen understanding of Autistic cognitive styles and their impact on workplace experience. This second course in our series offers insights and strategies to support diverse thinking styles, fostering an inclusive work environment.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

• Autism Society’s Employment Webpage
• Autism Society’s NDEAM: Employment Resources for Autistic Adults
• Tips and Tricks 
• CIE Collaboration with ICI 
• PEAT – AI & Disability Inclusion Toolkit
• EARN’s Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Successful Employee Resource Groups

National Bullying Prevention Month

• Guest Post: Anti-Bullying Month by Michael Gilberg
• Anti-Bullying Month (Facebook Live episode)
• Coronavirus Information Series: “Athletics, Autism, and Navigating COVID” with Anthony Ianni

Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15)

• Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic and Latinx Individuals Impacting the Autism Community

International AAC Awareness Month

• Guest Post: Recognizing International AAC Awareness Month by Elizabeth Bonker
• Autism Society’s Photoshoot Campaign

Public Policy Resources

• Election Day is coming up! The Autism Society of America has released a comprehensive Election Resource page and Voting Guide designed to support Autistic individuals through every step of the voting process.
• Access this newly updated Respite Service Locator to find respite care near you
• October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month so how about our fact sheet on the Transformation to Competitive Employment Act?

The Autism Society’s National Helpline is here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (EST) at 800.3AUTISM (800.328.8476) or info@autismsociety.org.

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!