autism speaks

Happy Mother’s Day 🌸🫶 “Dear Moms, In a world that often doesn’t understand us, I just wanted to say how awesome you are. Right from the start, you fearlessly tackled this journey and taught us how to hope, dream, and thrive.  Your love helps us manage whatever life throws at us. Every challenge seems easier because of you.  Your courage doesn’t shout; it shines through in all the little wins, and every time you’re there for us, no matter what. Rain or shine, good days or bad, you’re always there, showing us the way. Today is all about celebrating YOU. Not just as a mom to a child on the spectrum but as a hero. You stand up for us, you inspire us, and you’re making the world a better place. Thanks for being our champions, guides, and heroes, thanks for being fearlessly you.” Voiceover by Jude @theautismcafe Featuring Tyler, Tonya, Cheryl, Zach, Mona, Jack, Donna, Eileen, Charlie, Johanne, Seth, Maddie…

🎙️ 🏆 💙This World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks is announcing the launch of its newly established Champions of Change program, introducing an inaugural class of five autistic advocates and spokespeople from around the country. Autism Speaks’ Inaugural Champions of Change: • Alex Astrella, Los Angeles, CA, is a self-advocate, documentary filmmaker and founder of Blu Star Productions. Additionally, Alex holds a master’s degree in special education, a field where he seamlessly blends his personal and professional experiences. His study of special education, insights into the ABA space and dedication to giving back to autism community serve as the foundation of his work. @alex.astrella and @blustarproductions • Victoria Handy, Jackson, MS, is an advocate for herself and her daughter with autism, and is a dedicated behavior technician. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for advocacy, she pursued higher education, earning both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in behavior analysis, working tirelessly to support autistic children and their families. • Tyler Haynes, St. Louis, MO, is an autistic individual and recent graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) SUCCEED Program and continues to enjoy his work as a guest services attendant at the UMSL Recreation and Wellness Center. @thaynes497 • Tonya Haynes, St. Louis, MO, is a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the College of Nursing and mother of Tyler Haynes. Since Tyler’s diagnosis of autism in 2003, Tonya has prioritized efforts aimed at enhanced understanding of how autism impacts her son and what she can do to help him reach his full potential. @2003ttgoat • Logan Slaughter, Harrison, AR, is a self-advocate and pursuing multiple projects including authoring a children’s book about the importance of acceptance. He believes that acceptance is the true “cure,” to any differences, and that acceptance is the key to unlocking a world of understanding, love and support. @loganslaughter_

Shining tonight in honor of Autism Awareness Day @autismspeaks

"I am so proud of Deangelo for receiving his honors cords and tassel. Only a few people and my family know about my son's autism/Asperger's diagnosis. When he was diagnosed at 4, I was told that he would not be able to achieve the amazing things he does now. My child is a testament that he can do anything he puts his mind and heart to. De’Angelo has truly beaten and defied the odds, despite having autism, and proved his doctors and therapists wrong. As a parent of a child with autism, this is one of the proudest moments of my life. Graduation was on May 18th, and I thank God for it all!" @adriennedeshawn

"My son, Dylan, was born healthy, vibrant, and engaging. At 18 months, everything changed. Dylan stopped engaging and talking. He was diagnosed with autism. Dylan received almost 40 hours of therapy a week. I’m proud to say that Dylan went from non-speaking to valedictorian twice. Now 15, Dylan attends one of the top specialized schools, Brooklyn Tech. Children with autism can thrive with the necessary services and resources." @Lucyantoine

"I grew up in an orphanage from the age of 10 where I received my Asperger's diagnosis around the same time. School wasn't exactly a walk in the park for me. Social stuff was like cracking a code I never quite got, and group projects? Let's just say they were a special kind of nightmare. During the yearly holiday trips I found my love for the ocean. The calmness and rhythm of the waves. It became my escape, my happy place. Fast forward to after my 18th birthday, and I'm finishing up an electrician apprenticeship. But sticking to the norm wasn't really my strong point. So, I moved abroad to the Netherlands to work on a tall ship. It felt like closer to finding where I belonged, away from all the usual pressures and expectations. See, dealing with myself in a world that doesn't always get me or autism - it can be tough. But it's also made me who I am, a dreamer, and someone who's all about making a difference. Because there are more like me. That's why I'm on a mission to spread autism awareness far and wide. Because trust me, understanding and acceptance? They can change lives. Come join me as we sail towards a future where being different is celebrated, not judged. Let's make waves, together." @saltynomadlife

Overwhelmed with 4th of July celebrations? Enjoy some relaxing music. Happy 4th of July 💙 🇺🇸 Don’t forget to check out our tips for a sensory-friendly Independence Day through the link in our bio.

NEW EPISODE 🎙️ In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb chats with Kiki Chambers about her early autism diagnosis in 1991 and her advocacy work on social media, particularly on TikTok. Kiki is dedicated to supporting children and youth, bringing over 15 years of experience in diverse settings, including emergency shelters, group homes, and mental health services. Kiki also opens up about her love of stairs! Guest: @kikichambersinsta Host: @theautismcafe [Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast]

We hope these tips help you enjoy a peaceful and fun 4th of July with your loved-ones 💙🎆

"My brother, Rider, is 44 years old but mentally 18 months old. He was diagnosed with autism at an early age, the son of a mother who spent more than 15 years as a therapy assistant in a special institution and a father who has been a taxi driver all his life. Xiomara and Cesar's home is made up of four children, the eldest Rider (who has autism) and three more siblings. The struggle has been arduous because he does not control his sphincters, and always needs attention in simple activities such as feeding and going to the bathroom, dressing and other common daily activities. There was no help from any public or private agency for his special diet, diapers and vitamins. Even today, at 44 years old, my parents are still fighting because the lack of basic things in my country does not exist and the quality of life has decreased so much." Rider's sister

Are you autistic? Do you care for someone on the spectrum? We want to hear YOUR story 💙🫶 Fill out the form in our bio for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.

"I am an autistic college student, writer, and activist who is on a mission to raise awareness about autism and clear the stigmas surrounding it. Diagnosed when I was two years old, I was told that I wouldn't amount to anything because I had autism and everyone thought I wouldn't be capable of going to college. But thanks to a supportive set of parents and an amazing work ethic, I was able to prove the naysayers wrong. My advocacy work began with a class project for my freshman year of college, which my group members didn't take seriously enough. That alone motivated me to continue this movement I started on my own. Now, I'm a college student at Kent State University and focused on fighting for the rights of those with autism." @73PostsHere