Celebrating Autism Acceptance: Embracing Strengths, Supporting Needs

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2nd is Autism Acceptance Day. This is a time to recognize and embrace a diverse community that deserves our respect, appreciation, and support.

As the mother of a child with autism and the Chief Executive Officer of Person Centered Services, I am deeply committed to fostering a more inclusive and empowering world for people with autism. I continue to advocate for a system that prioritizes resources for individuals across the autism spectrum. This includes those with both visible and invisible needs, which makes getting to know each person of utmost importance.

If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Each individual is unique and should be treated as such.

At Person Centered Services, we recognize that people have different abilities, strengths, struggles, and challenges. Our Care Coordinators are dedicated to supporting individuals wherever they are in life. They spend meaningful time with individuals and families to help identify areas of need as well as areas of strength. We assist people in finding opportunities and pathways that allow them to grow and become more independent.

I have personally seen how essential early identification, intervention, and connection to Care Coordination is for families. Person Centered Services is dedicated to helping people find the right supports and navigate a complex system, and I am honored to lead our teams in this critical work.

It is a privilege to celebrate this season of autism acceptance. The contributions and accomplishments of people with autism deserve recognition this month and every month as we strive to build a community where all people can lead fulfilling lives.

— Person Centered Services Chief Executive Officer Alicia Fellows