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Activities for Autism Acceptance MonthxMinds is thrilled to be participating in Autism Acceptance Month this April! We are working toward a society that accepts autistic individuals as they are and views differences as part of what makes each of us unique in a neurodiverse society. How Is xMinds Celebrating?xMinds is proud to be part of Autism Acceptance Day with the Legislature, on Tuesday, April 2, at the Maryland State House in Annapolis. Spearheaded by the ARC Maryland, the day will include formal proclamations from the General Assembly floor. In preparation, we'll be delivering packets of information about autism to every state delegate and senator on Tuesday, March 26. If you would like to help, please contact xMinds Executive Director Melanie Carlos at mcarlos@xminds.org. Join xMinds at the countywide Shine Brighter Together family-friendly event to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month on Saturday, April 6, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Wheaton Regional Park. Bring the whole family for sensory-friendly story times, face painters, roving characters, arts and crafts, exercise demos, performances, and more. You'll also find information about autism and a variety of related resources available in the county. The free event is sponsored by Montgomery Parks along with various agencies and organizations throughout the county, including xMinds. Stop by the xMinds table to meet our staff and volunteers! What Can YOU and Your School Do to Recognize Autism Acceptance Month?Here are some fun and easy ways that schools can participate in Autism Acceptance Month, spreading the message of inclusion and understanding. 1. Celebrate with “Autism Acceptance Spirit Week”Host an “Autism Acceptance Spirit Week” that engages students while educating them about autism. Invite kids to wear pajamas on Sensory Friendly Friday or tie-dyed clothes on Neurodiversity Tuesday. Download a complete week of ideas provided by The Neurodivergent Teacher. 2. Get to Know Some Famous Autistic IndividualsDid you know that environmental activist Greta Thunberg — who leaped onto the world stage as a teenager — is autistic? She even calls it her superpower. She's part of a long list of accomplished autistic individuals, including NASCAR driver Armani Williams and golf phenom Carter Bonas, who launched his own line of golf apparel as a kid, and was selected as SportsKid of the year in 2022 by "Sports Illustrated." Create a bulletin board celebrating the accomplishments of autistic individuals, and present short bios during the morning announcements throughout April. Consider inviting students to write up these short reports. Check out these bios prepared by volunteers for Autism Acceptance Month at their children’s schools:
3. Read All About It!Over the years, we’ve seen an increasing number of kids’ books that focus on autistic characters and celebrate their neurodiversity. Encourage your school librarian to create a book display for Autism Acceptance Month. Invite preschool and elementary school teachers to share some of these stories during read-aloud time; secondary teachers can introduce students to novels and biographies about autistic individuals. Check out the xMinds Guide to Children’s and Young Adult Literature by Autistic Authors, Featuring Autistic Characters. 4. Go to the VideoOpen students’ eyes to autism and spread the message of acceptance with the help of a short video. A few to watch:
For more information and resources about autism, check out the Autism Acceptance website of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. |