According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, acceptance is an action. And the Autism Society of America says “While we will always work to spread awareness, words matter as we strive for autistic individuals to live fully in all areas of life. As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system.” Awareness is acknowledging someone lives with a challenge. Acceptance is cheering them on, making space for dialogue, and working together to make real change for better inclusivity!
It’s no longer just about awareness, but about acceptance of ASD in our lives: at school, at work, in our family, with our friends, and in our communities. Autism is a spectrum with social, communication, sensory, and behavioral differences manifested uniquely in each individual. While we have come a long way in understanding autism, we still have a long way to go in recognizing the breadth and diversity of those with autism, embracing their talents and unique abilities and strengths, and addressing the day-to-day challenges they face.
One percent of the world population is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (CDC, 2021). In the United States, this number looks like one in every 44 children, a significant rise from one in every 125 children recorded in 2010. The Foundation Learning Center, our school for students with ASD, invites you to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month! Let’s listen, learn, and lend a hand to the efforts of programs that pursue acceptance of ASD in all circles of life. If you would like to support The Foundation Learning Center, you can fund one of their requested classroom items or make a donation to be used where it’s most needed in the program.
Our students are transitioning to their next steps while navigating the challenges the pandemic has created for post-graduation life. Although their emotional disabilities can put them at a disadvantage when entering the competitive workforce, we know with support they can accomplish great things. Help us pave the way forward by being a contributor to the […]
During the pandemic, 55% of children felt sad, depressed, or unhappy. To let them know you care you can become a champion for mental health by participating alongside The Foundation Schools and the Maryland campaign Children’s Mental Health Matters! For over 20 years, the Maryland Health Association and Maryland Coalition of Families have partnered with […]
Maintaining good grades can be a challenge for students struggling with an emotional disability, financial insecurity, and other obstacles that create barriers to their success. Distance learning impacted our students’ ability to re-engage and focus in the classroom. Luckily, our PBIS system is here to help! Positive behavior interventions and supports is a multi-tiered framework […]
