This March, we will focus on Women’s History Month to highlight Autistic women and diagnostic research. Additionally, we will observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and share resources on signs, screening, and diagnosis. Our public policy resources provide guidance on navigating advocacy after the conclusion of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 2023.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

• Autism Society Resource: Collaboration Among the I/DD Community (Facebook Live episode)
• CDC Resources on Developmental Disabilities
• 2023 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Building Bridges: Interacting with Adults Who Have Developmental Disabilities (video)

Women & Autism: National Women’s History Month

• Autism’s sex bias disappears after tracking trajectories
• AWN Women’s History Month Community Roundtable
• Women and Autism: Get a Diagnosis, Not Gaslighted
• Unmasking the Stigma Behind Autism in Females (video)

Signs & Characteristics

• Autism Society Resource: The Autism Experience
• Autism Society Resource: Screening & Diagnosis
• Autism Society Resource: Making Informed Decisions
• CDC Developmental Monitoring and Screening flyer
• Ask the Developmental Pediatrician (video series)
• Why Autism Diagnoses Are Often Delayed

Public Policy

• The Public Health Emergency that was declared due to the Covid-19 pandemic will end on May 11, 2023. This means that many of the policies that were enacted due to the PHE will expire. The Autism Society has created a guide to help prepare you for this transition.
• The State Disability Advocacy Toolkit is intended to help affiliates and allies in advocating more effectively at the state and local levels, by providing guidance on understanding the legislative process, contacting local officials, and building statewide coalitions.

The Autism Society’s National Helpline is here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 70+ local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!