Our March resources focuses on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Women’s History Month. In addition, our monthly resources provide information on signs, screening and diagnosis, how Autism presents in women, andCOVID-19 vaccine resources. Our public policy resources highlight Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2022 and an overview of related legislation.

Women’s History Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2022: Worlds Imagined
• Information on Developmental Disabilities from the CDC
• The Developmental Disabilities Act in Plain Language

Signs, Screening, and Diagnosis

• National Statement: Autism Society Supports CDC’s Updated Developmental Milestones to Lead to Earlier Autism/IDD Diagnoses
• Why Autism Diagnoses Are Often Delayed
• CDC’s Milestone Tracker App
• Autism Society Resource: Screening & Diagnosis

Support & Services: Making Informed Decisions

• Autism Society Resource: Making Informed Decisions

Vaccine Education Initiative Resources

• Autism Society Resource: What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Your Rights Under the ADA
• Autism Society Resource: Preparing Children for the Vaccine
• Autism Society Resource: Addressing Needle Hesitancy
• Autism Society Resource: Covid-19 Vaccine, Safe, Effective, Free

Policy Resources

• The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is excited to kick off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2022! We are hosting our Kick off event on February 22, at 4 pm ET. Here you will find information on what NACDD will be doing, as well as our resource guide with materials and other information you may need. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Robin Troutman at rtroutman@nacdd.org or Rafa Rolon-Muniz at rrolon-muniz@nacdd.org. This event will be recorded and can be shared with those who are not able to make it. Register here.
• The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, which first originated in the early 1960s, authorizes the Developmental Disabilities Councils (systems change), Protection and Advocacy Systems (legal arm), and University Centers for Excellence in DD (research and training). The DD Act definition of developmental disabilities includes Autism and any other disability with an early onset that impacts three or more major life activities and is likely to continue indefinitely. These programs have had a major impact on the Autism community.

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 (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.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 71 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!