Healthcare and Medical News: March Advocacy: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month & National Women's History Month

This March, we will focus on Women's History Month to highlight Autistic women and diagnostic research. Additionally, we will observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and share resources on signs, screening, and diagnosis of Autism. Our public policy resources provide guidance on navigating advocacy after the conclusion of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 2023.

On March 4th, 2023, we lost Judy Heumann, an incredible disability rights activist that spearheaded the passage of essential legislation that improved the lives of so many people within the disability community. Regarded as the "mother" of disability rights advocacy, Judy led demonstrations, successfully advocated for disability rights legislation, founded disability advocacy organizations, held senior-level positions in the federal government, and tirelessly believed that disability rights are human rights. To learn more about Heumann’s legacy, see our national statement here.

Did you know: Recent estimates in the U.S. indicate that approximately 1 in 6 children aged 3 to 17 have at least one developmental disability. This March, we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to promote the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life and recognize barriers they may face.

Access March Resources

Autism Acceptance Month kicks off on Saturday, April 1st and the Autism Society of America is working to #CelebrateDifferences all month to recognize the multitude of experiences within the Autism community. No family or individual’s story is the same, and we believe the world should recognize the infinite ways the Autism community experiences life. Join us as we honor the wide range of experiences across the spectrum this April.

Interested in becoming a corporate partner to make a lasting impact during Autism Acceptance Month and beyond? If so, reach out to our team at development@autism-society.org to find out how you can get involved.

Learn More

The Autism Society of America has received a multi-million dollar grant from the USAging’s Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC). The ADVC is an initiative funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide outreach, technical assistance, and support to promote vaccination uptake.

“This grant will allow the Autism Society to expand our very successful and highly acclaimed Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI), a public health model that promotes vaccine confidence, education, and access to increase vaccination rates for underserved populations,” shares Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.

Affiliate Highlights

Autism Society Howard County will host their 30th Anniversary Gala on March 11th at 7:00 PM to celebrate three decades of support and advocacy for the local Autism community.

Autism Society North Carolina will host their annual conference The Autism Experience: Brain, Body, & Behavior March 10-11th. Featured topics include medical issues, behavior, anxiety, suicide prevention, and more.

Autism Society Acadiana will host their Just for Autism Dads (J.F.A.D.) support group on March 26th. The group is led by male caregivers of Autistic persons with a concentration on giving and receiving advice, as well as getting emotional support.