With April coming to an end, we at ASAN wanted to bring light to some of the behind-the-scenes work that we do. Planning for Autism Acceptance Month starts in January. In these meetings, we work together to create messaging that sparks hope for not just the current times we face, but the future that we wish to build together. While we aim to approach events like these from a place of optimism, the current national conversation on autism has left some of our original plans for this month on the cutting room floor. We have had to refocus on where we are and what needs to be done now to create the community that we dream to see.

In the past weeks we have released a joint statement in support of the autistic community as well as hosted a webinar debunking myths and misconceptions about our community. This webinar could not have been more timely, as we continue to fight dangerous narratives from the current administration. Last Friday we released information on HHS and how they are walking back statements on an autism registry just days after announcing the “new disease registry.” We’ve had an influx of people reaching out to us during this time, looking for clarity in these uncertain times, and our ability to respond in real time to these threats is rooted in the support we receive from the community.

With all this in mind, we want to take this last email of Autism Acceptance Month to give a sincere thank you to all of our supporters. To our members, to the streamers who have given their time to share our message, to the individual donors and our grassroots supporters: words will not even begin to describe the gratitude we feel. Without you, the work that we do would be impossible.  

There is still time to make a donation in honor of AAM. You can give to us directly or become a member and get exclusive perks. This is also your last chance to buy one of our throwback t-shirts. Your support is what allows us to continue our work, and we couldn’t do it without you. 

Even if it’s the end of AAM, the message lives on throughout the year as we continue to work in community with each other. We work to build a world for not just us, but for all autistic individuals to come. We have always been here and we always will be. To the autistic people reading this: you are accepted here and you are cherished. You being here makes this world better. Thank you for being a part of this community.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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