The Autism Society of Hawaii is observing Autism Acceptance Month by holding a walk and resource fair on April 8 on Oahu and April 22 on Hawaii Island. 

What You Need To Know

  • Autism Acceptance Month is a time for people to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder in order to increase acceptance

  • The Autism Society of Hawaii’s April event, the “Hele for Autism and Resource Fair,” will be a joyous community gathering

  • The fair will include health care companies, Applied Behavioral Analysis providers, financial planners, speech therapists, autism centers and more

  • Learn more about the “Hele for Autism and Resource Fair” on the Autism Society of Hawaii’s website

“Autism Spectrum Disorder… is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships and self regulation,” said Shelby Maher, the Executive Director of Autism Society of Hawaii, a local nonprofit that is affiliated with the Autism Society of America. 

She pointed out that autism isn’t visible and that for each person with autism, the characteristics might be different. For example, one person with autism might be nonverbal, another might be nonverbal but able to use a tablet to speak, and another might communicate but struggle in other areas.

Autism diagnoses are growing. In 2020, about 1 in 36 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, in 2000, about 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Part of the reason for the increase in diagnosis is that people are more aware of the characteristics of autism, and diagnostic testing is more accessible, Maher said. 

Until 2021, Autism Acceptance Month was called Autism Awareness Month. Maher said because autism is now readily diagnosed, people are more aware, making acceptance the next step.

“During this month, we do everything that we can to educate individuals to be more accepting, to be more compassionate, to make connections with the community, to make connections with companies, to make connections with employers,” said Maher.  

The Autism Society of Hawaii’s April event, the “Hele for Autism and Resource Fair,” will be a joyous community gathering, according to Maher. She said the fair will include health care providers, health care companies, Applied Behavioral Analysis providers, financial planners, estate planners, speech therapists, autism centers and more.

Maher emphasized that while Autism Acceptance Month is important, it is crucial to support people with autism all year. 

Throughout the year, the Autism Society of Hawaii hosts support groups for siblings and parents, and screens sensory-friendly films in an environment where individuals with autism are free to roam around the theater. The nonprofit is also partnering with Hyatt for a pilot program that will educate the company on autism and allow people with autism an opportunity to learn about job opportunities and shadow employees.

Maher encourages people to support the autistic community by participating in events, volunteering or making donations.

“The biggest thing with autism support is truly being educated and coming out to community events,” said Maher. 

Learn more about the “Hele for Autism and Resource Fair” on the Autism Society of Hawaii’s website.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.