Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

April is observed as Autism Acceptance Month. It encourages communities worldwide to move beyond simple awareness of autism and toward genuine acceptance, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals and their families.

Beginning in the 1970s, Autism Acceptance Month made a national effort to increase public understanding of autism. Over time, the conversation has expanded from simple awareness to genuine acceptance, emphasizing that autistic individuals deserve not just recognition but inclusion, respect, and equitable access to support. In 2026, that shift is more visible than ever, with advocacy organizations and clinical communities adopting acceptance-first language.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that autism now affects about 1 in 31 or 3.2% of children eight years old in the U.S. These numbers emphasize the importance of early screening, accessible diagnostic services, and community-wide understanding.

An annual report from Autism Speaks revealed that roughly 11% of children with autism are not receiving the healthcare they need. This month acts as a crucial reminder that gaps in service access still exist, and that informed, empowered parents play a vital role in closing them.

One of the most impactful things a parent can do is learn to recognize the early signs of autism. Early identification allows for timely interventions, which research consistently links to stronger developmental outcomes.

The signs of autism vary by age, but the general red flags in the first two years include:

Limited eye contact
Delayed babbling or speech
Repetitive movements
Minimal response to their name

Children between the ages of two and four may present difficulties with pretend play, strong insistence on routines, or challenges interacting with peers. Because autism presents differently across children, including girls and non-binary children whose traits may be subtler, staying informed about the full spectrum of presentations is vital.

There are several steps you can take if you have any concerns:

If you believe something is abnormal when monitoring your child, document any specific behaviors you observe, noting frequency and context. Discuss the notes from your observations with your pediatrician and ask them direct questions about developmental screening.
Understanding the levels of autism can also help you articulate what you’re seeing and have productive conversations with healthcare providers.

A formal autism diagnostic evaluation usually involves assessments by a licensed psychologist using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). A clear diagnosis gives families a roadmap for services, school accommodations, and long-term planning.

Participating in Autism Acceptance Month doesn’t need grand gestures. Some meaningful ways to engage in everyday moments with your child and family include:

Evaluating your home for sensory triggers and creating predictable daily schedules with sensory-friendly routines
Using resources to learn about behavior strategies, sleep support, and transition planning
Approaching every interaction with the belief that your child understands more than they may be able to express
Having age-appropriate conversations about neurodiversity with siblings and extended family.
Joining parent support groups

Autism Acceptance Month brings families, educators, and communities together around the shared goal of better understanding autism spectrum disorder and the people it affects.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

World Autism Acceptance Month

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

April is World Autism Acceptance Month, an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.

The Autism experience is different for everyone. Defined by a specific set of behaviors, it is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.

There is no known single cause for Autism, however, it is generally accepted that differences in brain structure or genetic factors cause it. Early diagnosis and intervention can support an Autistic individual with the resources needed to live fully.

There are many ways to participate in Autism Acceptance Month, including:

Listen to and amplify autistic voices
Create inclusive spaces
Advocate for policy change
Educate yourself and others
Support the autism community

Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance. We all need to do our part to help create a society that actively supports and includes autistic individuals.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Xavia Malcolm

Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s socialization and communication skills.

Boys are three to four times more likely to have AS than girls. Children diagnosed with the disorder are often considered to be on the “high functioning” end of the autism spectrum. High functioning is the term used to refer to children on the spectrum who can read, speak, write or manage other life skills with very little assistance.

The causes of Asperger’s are unknown; however, experts are investigating possible factors such as genetics and abnormalities in the brain.

Signs and symptoms of Asperger’s typically appear first during early childhood and vary in severity, they may include:

Avoiding eye contact
Showing few emotions
Showing little or no empathy for others
Not understanding or missing social cues such as body language
Repeating the same movements or topic of conversation
Difficulty with having conversations
Frequently speaking to oneself
Possessing a remarkable ability in paying attention to detail
Displaying hypersensitivities to light, sounds and tastes
Having difficulty with change

Speak to your pediatrician if you notice these signs and symptoms in your child. Your doctor may refer you to a mental or developmental health professional that specializes in autism spectrum disorders. This specialist will conduct a complete assessment and create a treatment plan that is best suited for your child’s needs.

To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Autism Awareness Month

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by a range of conditions that can significantly impair behavioral, communication and social skills.

There are three different types of autism spectrum disorders; they include Classic Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Each condition differs by the severity of symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) children or adults with ASD may display the following symptoms:

Having delays in speech and language skills
Not responding to their name by 12 months
Avoiding eye contact or wanting to be alone
Having difficulty understanding the feelings of others
Displaying unusual reactions to the way things look, feel, sound or smell
Repeating actions over and over
Not looking at objects when other people point to them
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal language
Preferring not to be cuddled or cuddling only when desired
Having trouble adapting to changes in daily activities
Displaying behaviors such as flapping hands, spinning in circles or rocking the body

The most obvious symptoms of ASD typically emerge between two to three years of age. However, in some cases, they can be identified earlier.

There are no definitive causes of ASD but it has been discovered that there are several factors that can make a child more likely to have the disorder. The CDC asserts the following findings:

Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.
Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.
ASD tends to occur more often in people who have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis.
When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.
There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.
Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having ASD.

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult as assessments are primarily based on behavior and development. There are two stages of diagnosis, the developmental screening and the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Currently, there is no cure for ASD but research shows that early intervention services and treatment can improve development in children.

April is National Autism Awareness Month, during this time; Flushing Hospital Medical Center promotes autism awareness through education. The hospital proudly supports the nationwide goal of building a greater understanding and acceptance of ASD.