Autism Acceptance Month Starts
National Autism Acceptance Month (formerly Awareness) is celebrated throughout April to promote inclusion, foster understanding, and support individuals on the autism spectrum. It focuses on moving beyond awareness to action, emphasizing neurodiversity, acceptance, and the, providing resources for community engagement, advocacy, and education. According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States (3/24/23).
To explore ways that the Catholic Church is calling forth and supporting the vocations of individuals with ASD, watch the recording of this webinar, Fostering Vocations: Autism, and the Church’s Call to Belonging, at:
https://www.ncpd.org/events/fostering-vocations-autism-and-churchs-call-belonging
Our diocesan library has adaptive learning kits for sacramental preparation and catechesis as well as other resources for use with persons with disabilities, including those with autism. One example is Lawrence R. Sutton’s “How to Welcome, Include and Catechize Children with Autism and Other Special Needs.”
The library is located at the Diocese of Youngstown central offices, 225 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44503. Free parking is available in the green-fenced-in lot at the corner of Rayen Ave. and Elm St. Please call before your visit to confirm that the resources you need are available: 330-744-8451.
Anyone interested in personal enrichment, catechetic programs and small Christian communities are welcome to borrow the books and resources from the diocesan library.
We look forward assisting you!
