Autism Acceptance Month: Events in Las Vegas to Support and Celebrate the Autism Community
Autism Acceptance Month, celebrated every year in April, is an important time to raise awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. While autism is a lifelong condition, early diagnosis, and appropriate interventions can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with autism.
The history of Autism Acceptance Month can be traced back to 1970 when the Autism Society of America was founded by a group of parents who wanted to advocate for their children and raise public awareness of autism. In 1972, the Autism Society declared April as National Autism Awareness Month, and in 2011, the organization shifted its focus to autism acceptance.
Autism acceptance means recognizing and respecting the diversity of people on the autism spectrum and valuing their strengths, interests, and contributions to society. It also means challenging stereotypes and discrimination against individuals with autism and promoting inclusive communities that support their needs.
Las Vegas is home to a vibrant community of individuals with autism and their families, as well as organizations and professionals dedicated to improving their lives. This April, several events are happening in the Las Vegas area that aim to raise awareness and promote autism acceptance. Here are some of them:
April 1, 2023
9am – 2pm – Touch -A-Truck @ TOUCH-A-TRUCK - Summerlin
9am – 11am – MHS Behavioral Services: ABA Parent Training – Preventing Problem Behaviors @ Zoom (email for zoom link)
9am – 4pm: The Miracle League Opening Day @ The Miracle League of Las Vegas
11am – 2pm – Accelerated Learning Academy Open House @ Accelerated Learning Academy
6pm – 10pm – Sunset Social @ Inclusion Fusion
6:30pm – 9 pm – Laughs 4 Autism @ FEAT
April 3, 2023
6pm – 7:30pm – FEAT: Parent Support Meeting: Newly Diagnosed Families @ Zoom
April 7, 2023
11am – 12:30pm - MHS Behavioral Services: Parent Training - Navigating Treatments for Autism via Zoom (email for zoom link)
April 8, 2023
10am – 2023 Polar Plunge Las Vegas & Duck Derby - Special Olympics Nevada
April 10, 2023
9am – the Las Vegas Welcome sign illuminates BLUE with Grant A Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center
April 11, 2023
4pm – 5pm – Nevada Pep: Bullies, Acosados y Espectadores: Respuestas que Functionan - Registración
5pm – 6pm – Nevada Pep: Youth M.O.V.E Meeting via Zoom - Register
April 15, 2023
2:15pm – FEAT Las Vegas vs Lights Out Basketball Game @ Doolittle Community Center
April 16, 2023
12:30pm – 2:30pm – Positively Kids – Autism Acceptance Event @ Paradise Community Center
6pm – 8pm – FEAT: Dad’s Support Meeting @ FEAT
April 18, 2023
5pm – 6pm – Nevada Pep: Youth M.O.V.E Meeting via Zoom - Register
6pm – 7pm – FEAT: Sibling Support Group @ FEAT
April 22, 2023
7:30am – 11am - Grant A Gift Race for Hope 5K
5pm – 8pm – Out of This World Skate Competition @ Sport Social
10am – 1pm – Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Nevada @ Best Buddies
April 25, 2023
5pm – 6pm – Nevada Pep: Youth M.O.V.E Meeting via Zoom - Register
April 29, 2023
9am – 2pm – CCSD & Southern Nevada Center for Independent Living – Students in Transition Accessing Resources Fair @ Valley H.S. Cafeteria
These are just a few examples of the many events happening in Las Vegas this April to promote autism acceptance and support individuals with autism and their families. If you or someone you know has autism, consider attending one of these events!