This April, the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin is inviting the Autism community to be the connection to resources, acceptance, and each other. Autism Acceptance Month kicks off on April 1st, and the Autism Society celebrates the varied experiences within the Autism community and highlights the critical need for us to put acceptance into action.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States with increasing prevalence rates continuing to create the urgent need for equitable supports and services. 1 in 36 children are diagnosed and can be attributed to a variety of factors primarily improved diagnostic screening and identification, as well as an increased prevalence rate itself.
“Autism Acceptance Month provides us with an opportunity to take action through acceptance to provide the Autism community with the supports, services, and resources needed.” – Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America .
Together, we are connecting Autistic individuals, their families, friends, and support teams with our #CelebrateDifferences theme. Our goal is to highlight the infinite ways in which people experience life and how we can take action to provide the support that’s needed. Acceptance starts with an understanding that everyone’s experiences are unique and valid creating a space for each member of the Autism community to speak openly without judgment.
Autism Acceptance Month Activities & Events
ASD BAND: THE MOVIE follows the members of ASD Band as they embark upon the difficult journey of writing and recording their first album, and ultimately performing their first public show. Along the way, they learn to navigate a world foreign to them by finding strength in others who share the same challenges.
Life on the spectrum has many individual challenges, but together, anything is possible.
ASD BAND: THE MOVIE will broadcast on PBS next year but you are invited to this special virtual premiere of the film. Enjoy the show!
A Day at the Capitol
This yearly event recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2nd at noon in the Senate Parlor.
Senator André Jacque (R- DePere), Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison), DHS Assistant Deputy Secretary Sarah Valencia, the Autism Society Affiliates in Wisconsin, and a panel of Autistic speakers and family members will share their stories and discuss policy issues affecting individuals with Autism and their families in Wisconsin.
As we #CelebrateDifferences, we strive to build inclusive communities where individuals with Autism can live fully through connection and acceptance. Make plans to join us for this day of advocacy and awareness!
Milwaukee Brewers Autism Acceptance Night
April 6th vs Seattle Mariners
Autism Acceptance Night at the Admirals Game!
Get your tickets for the Admirals and support Autism Acceptance! Join us on Friday, April 12th at 7pm when the Admirals take on Chicago. $5 from every ticket bought using this link will benefit the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. Special Autism Acceptance warm-up and game jerseys will also be auctioned off with a portion of the proceeds going to Autism Society SE WI as well! Share with your friends/family today.
April 18
6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m.
Free Virtual Event
Join us for a free online viewing and discussion of the award-winning film, Being Michelle, in partnership with the Autism Society-Wisconsin Affiliates and the Children’s Resource Center – South with funding from the Friends of the Waisman Center. BEING MICHELLE is an award-winning feature-length documentary film about a deaf woman with Autism who survived incarceration and abuse and now uses her artwork to depict the trauma she survived and heal from her past.
IMPORTANT ALERT: This film contains intense, emotional subject matter. We recommend this film for adults or older age youth with supportive people around them. Please preview a trailer at — https://www.beingmichelle.com/ to determine your comfort level in viewing the film.
Register at – https://go.wisc.edu/BeingMichelleAutSoc