During this uniquely challenging time, we are committed to continuing our work together to fulfill our mission, to promote solutions for the needs of people with autism and their families. More than ever, we are so grateful for our dedicated community of supporters like you. Please know we are here for you. As always, the Autism Response Team remains available for support and we will continue to provide updated information and resources on our COVID-19 page.

As we celebrate World Autism Month and the millions of people touched by autism, we’re focused on our efforts to connect through kindness, even while social distancing. There are endless ways to brighten someone’s day from the comfort of your own home, and we’re counting on you to help us complete one million acts of kindness for people with autism this year.

P.S. If you’re like us, you’re hopping from Zoom call to Zoom call to stay connected. Check out these kindness-themed virtual backgrounds to keep the kindness front-and-center!

Connecting through #kindness virtually

While hugs and high-fives may now be virtual, group get-togethers happen through video conference and volunteerism is done from behind a computer screen… there are still plenty of ways to foster kindness. Here are just a few ideas from the team here at Autism Speaks.

Autism online video learning series available at no cost through June 1

While Americans from coast to coast are practicing safe social distancing and staying home, we’re teaming up with the Autism Certification Center (ACC) to make 30+ hours of online video learning resources available at no cost for the autism community. We are so grateful for the kindness of our partners at the ACC for making this content available free of charge.

Kindness Quests during World Autism Month

Your #WorldAutismMonth Kindness Quest this week is to help create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism. All you have to do is join the #KindnessCounts challenge and spread kindness on social media and pledge to be kind.

Connect with your local Autism Speaks community

Now more than ever, local support and connections are important. In an effort to create a greater sense of community, we are moving our local Facebook pages over to local Facebook Groups! These groups will be a place to share local information, recommendations, resources and stories.