RALEIGH, N.C. – April is Autism Acceptance Month, and a local organization is working to increase inclusivity and raise awareness across the state.

The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) has helped connect families with resources and educate communities about the condition for over 50 years. More than 40,000 individuals and families utilize its services.

Their communications director, David Laxton, says ASNC set a record for crisis calls in the month of February.

“It's not a bad thing,” Laxton said. “It means people are finding us and they're getting the help that they need. COVID has been tough on everybody. Particularly for folks with autism who are resistant to change in routine.”

Autism is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, sometimes caused by a genetic condition. Scientists say some causes are still unknown.  

About 1 in 44 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. 

The condition may impact the way people behave, communicate, interact and learn.

Laxton says families go to ASNC for a variety of issues and resources, including diagnosis, the transition to adulthood, employment,  programming and guidance.

It hosts events and workshops all year round, including a Shop & Dine 4 Autism event coming up on April 26. That day, a list of shops and restaurants across the state will donate a portion of  their proceeds to ASNC.

You can also find a page on acceptance and understanding here.

“We really want people to take the opportunity to learn, share the information and again connect people with our organization if they need help,” Laxton said.