Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month |
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In recent years, Autism Awareness Month has shifted to Autism Acceptance Month to emphasize a focus on inclusion. As the prevalence of autism increases (1 in 36 children are diagnosed), the issue at hand is not a lack of awareness but a lack of acceptance in our communities.
Christopher Banks, CEO of The Autism Society of America, said it best: “Awareness is knowing that somebody has autism. Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities.”
According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the shift to the word “acceptance” was made to enable the autism community to change the conversation around autism, highlight the importance of having a sense of belonging, and creating a welcoming community for individuals with autism.
This month, we celebrate the individuals we serve, like Charlie and Mariana. As a preschool student at Summit Academy, Charlie is working on developing self-help skills and greater independence. Since September, Charlie has grown so much in his ability to focus and learn. He loves to play with pop-up toys, Play-Doh, and Moon Sand.
Through the Early Autism Program, Marianna receives home-based therapy in the morning and attends preschool in the afternoon. Over the past few months, her language skills have started to explode. Mari recites the alphabet and requests food and other items using a Picture Exchange Communication System. At Summit, we show acceptance by teaching skills for greater independence and life success, not by changing who our students are. We are so proud of all the individuals we serve for their achievements! |
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Ten things parents want you to know about Autism Acceptance Month |
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Autism impacts each person differently.
Autism is not a one-size fits all diagnosis. Some children or adults are non-verbal, some have sensory issues, and some have behavioral issues. When you hear that someone has autism, don’t jump to a conclusion based on preconceived notions. Have an open mind and learn what makes that person unique. Find ways to welcome and include them. |
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Ignore the stereotypes.
Although there are some similar learning profiles for individuals on the spectrum, the adage "If you have met one child with autism, you have met one child with autism" is so true. Each individual has a unique personality including strengths, preferences, dislikes, hobbies, and sense of humor. Refrain from buying into the stereotypes; take the time to get to know each individual you meet on a personal level.
Our children want to be included.
Even though my son isn’t super social, he still wants to be included. Children with autism don’t always understand what it takes to build and maintain friendships, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. Please don’t forget about them when you’re setting up play dates and planning birthday parties.
Adults with autism need to be included, too.
Adults with autism do not have nearly the same opportunities in life as their nondisabled peers. People tend to reduce them to their disability label, and they often have limited experiences to choose from. We need greater investment in community integration opportunities, whether it’s transition services, life skills training, supported employment, or other resources that help people feel a sense of belonging.
Autism can be an invisible struggle.
My daughter struggles with anxiety and deep emotions. Many situations are overwhelming for her, especially loud, crowded areas. She’s not being dramatic – her brain and nervous system are wired differently. That intense feeling you get when you come across your worst fear is something individuals with autism deal with every day.
Don’t overlook children with lower support needs.
Autism doesn’t always indicate a non-verbal child or a child with challenging behaviors. Some children have more sophisticated language. They may not react as strongly to stressors or sensory input, so they blend in with their peers. My son attends public school and if I didn’t advocate for interventions, he’d be overlooked. He too needs support to reach his full potential.
My child isn’t being rude.
My son doesn’t understand social norms. He has a hard time interpreting what someone is thinking or feeling, and his tone can come across as blunt. If he doesn’t look you in the eye or show a lot of expression, don’t mistake it for rudeness. He just has a different way of communicating and it’s something I’ve grown to appreciate. Does anyone actually enjoy making small talk?
My child doesn’t need to be disciplined.
When my son has a meltdown, it’s a cry for help. His nervous system is overloaded, and he can’t control his reaction. I can feel people judging my parenting. My son isn’t being manipulative – he’s highly distressed and needs compassion, not discipline.
Autism can look different in girls.
There’s a reason autism is associated with the color blue, but girls can be impacted by autism as well. Girls tend to do a better job at masking their social difficulties. They’re more likely to be labeled as shy or anxious. When girls with autism don’t get diagnosed, they miss out on the support they need to understand their struggles and thrive in life.
See the person behind the diagnosis.
My son is not autistic; he has autism. He is a young man, full of hope and fear and joy and sadness. He also has a disability. See him for what he is, not for what you think he should be. |
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There's still time to register
for the 2024 Autism Walk |
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There's still time to register and fundraise for the 2024 Autism Walk, taking place on Saturday, May 11. This year's theme centers around the word "believe," because at The Summit Center we believe in every individual's potential. Join parents, community advocates, and other supporters for a 2-mile walk in celebration of autism acceptance and understanding. |
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Here are a few fundraisers you can participate in to support this year's event. Please see Upcoming Events for more details:
April 1 – 30 – Round up at Delta Sonic, anytime throughout April at any of Delta Sonic’s 11 Buffalo locations, applicable to car wash and convenience store purchases.
April 1 – 30 – WNY Beer Trail; for every WNY Beer Trail pass sold during April, $5 will be donated to The Summit Center. -
April 30 – Blue Bash Skating Party, 5 -7 p.m., 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda (costs $10 per person and $4 for skate rental).
- April 18 - May 11 - John's Crazy Socks, use the charity code SUMMIT24 to receive a free pair of socks while funds go back to the Autism Walk.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Our teaching staff at Summit Academy do incredible work and we want to recognize their dedication and compassion in a special way. To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6 - 10, you can give in honor of your favorite teacher. Visit SummitAutismWalk.org and choose the Donate button. You can include a personal message in the "Share Public Comment" section.
To register for the Autism Walk, visit SummitAutismWalk.org. Celebrate the gifts and strengths of the autism community and help raise critical funds for programs that directly impact hundreds of children and adults. |
Thank you to our sponsors! |
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Special sensory skating party
to support Autism Walk |
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To celebrate Autism Acceptance Month and support the 2024 Autism Walk, Aaron’s Allies are hosting a Blue Bash Skating Party from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at Rainbow Skating Rink, 101 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda. The event will feature a sensory skate environment with low music, a well-lit rink, no strobe or flashing lights, and a family friendly atmosphere. Attendees can also participate in games, contests, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear the color blue, any Summit gear, or autism-related apparel.
The cost is $10 per person and $4 for skate rental. Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time on the skating party's Walk page. |
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Purchase some of John's Crazy Socks, help support Summit |
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Looking to get some fun, new socks plus a FREE pair of Mystery Socks? Participate in Summit’s fundraiser with John’s Crazy Socks now through May 11 to support this year’s Autism Walk. John’s Crazy Socks was founded in 2016 by a man with Down Syndrome and his father. Over half of the employees of this now-multi-million-dollar company have disabilities, and 5% of the company’s total earnings go to the Special Olympics.
Here’s what you need to do to participate in Summit’s fundraiser: -
Visit Johnscrazysocks.com and select a pair (or more) of socks you want to purchase at John’s Crazy Socks.
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IMPORTANT: Click on "Charity Code holders, to add sock click here!" at the very bottom on the first checkout side panel.
- A pair of Mystery Socks will be added to your cart. Click checkout.
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Enter code SUMMIT24 in the code box on the second page of checkout to make your Mystery Socks FREE!
- Summit receives 10% of the net sales from that purchase!
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Théoden’s Fellowship embraces
spirit of Autism Walk |
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Since 2021, Théoden’s Fellowship has raised more than $13,000 for the Autism Walk. Captained by Summit Academy parent Laura Chouinard, the team is a shining example of what the Autism Walk symbolizes – the love and support for an individual with autism.
To surpass her team’s 2024 fundraising goal, Laura organized a family-friendly event at the Wheatfield Community Center on Saturday, April 13. With 20 vendors, 100+ baskets, a 50/50 raffle, food, music, and more, the event raised more than $4,100. It even captured the attention of WKBW, which filmed a news segment on Laura’s intentions for the event.
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Visit the Autism Walk page for Théoden’s Fellowship and a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien is front and center. As one of Laura’s favorite quotes, it conveys the spirit of her team, her fundraising efforts, and her sentiment for the people who cherish her son: “I have found that it is the small everyday deed of ordinary folks that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” To register for the Autism Walk or to donate to Théoden’s Fellowship, go to www.SummitAutismWalk.org. |
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PJ Cools serves up sweet treats
to support World Autism Day
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PJ Cools, an ice cream shop located in Depew, hosted a special celebration for World Autism Day on April 2 to support the autism community and The Summit Center.
The shop served up special treats with proceeds going back to Summit. They also had visits from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Tinkerbell to take photos with customers.
In addition to treat proceeds, employees donated their tips, and PJ Cools owners Joe and Paula Mancini added their own donation to total $772.43. Thank you to PJ Cools, their staff, and everyone who came out to support World Autism Day and Summit! |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Julian Princess!
I am autistic and have experience working with individuals with various intellectual and developmental disabilities. What is your role at Summit?
I currently work as a cafeteria monitor at the Summit Academy’s Stahl Road location. I will also begin to work as a direct care professional at Summit’s summer break respite programs. Describe what your day might look like.
In the context of working at Summit Academy, I begin my day by saying, “Good morning!” to all of my co-workers. After hanging up my lunch bag and belongings, I put on my apron and spend a majority of my work day washing, rinsing, drying, and putting away all dishes that are used during lunch and breakfast time. I also assist my co-workers by participating in preparing fruits, salads, and replacing juice cups. |
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After all classrooms conclude their lunch periods, we take a half-hour each day to eat lunch. Then, I spend the last half hour of my shift assisting my co-workers to the best of my abilities. I enjoy the last hour of my shift because I take this time to get to know my co-workers better, and I like to learn more about preparing various types of food for the upcoming day. I like to learn how to prepare foods, such as cutting oranges and washing apples, because I can apply these skills to my life when I am at home.
When I am not working at The Summit Center, I also work as a cashier at Tops Friendly Markets and as a Saturday respite specialist at Aspire of Western New York. During my spare time, I like to spend time with my family members by playing games and helping them with any tasks that I am capable of performing. I also like to listen to music, write in my journal, go shopping at various retail and thrift stores, and make art. What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
I am most proud of completing my Bachelor of Arts in history and political science, in addition to both a minor in community development and a minor in education from Daemen University in December of 2023.
During my time at Daemen University, I learned various professional and communication skills that are applicable to everyday life. I am also proud of myself for recently being accepted into the graduate leadership and innovation program at Daemen University.
In a professional sense, I am proud of how far I have grown since when I began to work with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities at Aspire of Western New York in November of 2022. I am proud of winning Aspire of Western New York’s “Performance in Action” award for the second year in a row due to my work at the Saturday respite program. I am proud of implementing crafts and activities that all individuals enjoy while promoting their autonomy and right to enjoy their time at the program in the safest and most inclusive way possible.
What does autism mean to you?
My autism provides me with a unique perspective and outlook on life. For instance, my autism has always been a fluid disability because my capabilities vary from day-to-day. Autism is ambiguous because it is both disabling and provides me with strengths such as a higher ability to pay attention to detail.
What do you want people to know about autism?
Autism is a disability and not a “tragedy." If you have met one autistic person, you have only met one autistic individual because autistic people have diverse interests, backgrounds, and personalities. We, as autistic people, are capable of contributing to conversations surrounding issues and areas that impact us on a daily basis. Listen to autistic people when they have ideas and when they advocate for themselves or when they advocate in meetings or other formats of person-to-person communication.
How does Summit show autism acceptance? How do you show autism acceptance?
Summit shows acceptance by listening to autistic individuals. I work with co-workers and a supervisor, who are accepting and accommodating of my needs and support my self-advocacy every workday. I also receive supported employment (SEMP) at The Summit Center. My employment specialist takes the time to get to know me and always helps me with advice and overcoming work-related situations.
I show acceptance to other autistic people by being attentive to the needs and preferences of each individual. With the right amount of time, however long it may take to get to know an individual, I can incorporate activities that will help them be themselves (authentic and safe) while at the program that I currently work in. |
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April 1 – 30 – Round up at Delta Sonic, anytime throughout April at any of Delta Sonic’s 11 Buffalo locations, applicable to car wash and convenience store purchases. April 1 – 30 – WNY Beer Trail; for every WNY Beer Trail pass sold during April, $5 will be donated to The Summit Center.
Now - May 11 - John's Crazy Socks Fundraiser: Use the charity code SUMMIT24 to receive a free pair of mystery socks with 10% of proceeds going back to Summit. Download the instructions here.
April 30 - Blue Bash Skating Party: Hit the roller rink for a Blue Bash Skating Party taking place from 5 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at Rainbow Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda. Proceeds will benefit The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk! Tickets costs $10 per person and can be purchased at the door or ahead of time here.
May 11 - The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk: Join us for The Summit Center 2024 Autism Walk on Saturday, May 11, at 150 Stahl Rd., Getzville. The check in tent will open at 8 a.m. with opening ceremonies and the walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. Register or make a donation at www.SummitAutismWalk.org.
June 6 - Transition Fair: The Summit Center will host Transition Fair 2024: Planning for the Future from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, at The Summit Center, 150 Stahl Road, Getzville. |
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Over the past 12 years, The Summit Center Autism Walk has raised more than $3 million dollars to help fund critical programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social and behavioral challenges. |
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