Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring April 2026, as Autism Acceptance Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommend Mayor and Council read, approve the proclamation, and present to Rebecca Murphy, Co-Chair of the Rockville Human Rights Commission, and Tara Owens, Executive Director of Main Street.
Discussion
April is Autism Acceptance Month. The month recognizes and spreads awareness of the rights of people with autism. The condition typically starts during childhood and continues into adulthood. The Autism Acceptance Month 2026 theme is “Celebrate Differences.” The color of Autism Acceptance Month is Blue, and it is associated with calmness and acceptance. We raise awareness to promote autism acceptance to celebrate each individual’s unique differences, and to foster inclusivity and connectedness.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the result of a neurological disorder that is estimated to affect more than three million people and one in sixty-eight children in the United States. ASD occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Boys are 4.3 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls. This is because girls “often go undiagnosed because they don’t fit autism stereotypes and they mask symptoms better than boys do,” according to the Child Mind Institute. There is no better way to celebrate this day than by becoming aware of the characteristics of people with this condition and how all of us can do better to increase our own understanding and promote kindness.
It is estimated to be the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. The Centers for Disease Control tracks the number and characteristics of children with ASD, and research what puts children at risk for ASD and promotes early identification.
Facts:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder is the result of a neurological disorder affecting more than three million people and affects one in sixty-eight children in the United States.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder is estimated to be the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
• There are multiple organizations dedicated to empowering the community and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families, and to help promote awareness and acceptance, including: The Arc Montgomery County, Main Street Makom, Madison House Autism Foundation, and Sunflower Bakery.
• The City of Rockville promotes inclusion in recreation programs by involving parents and caregivers in planning activities that focus on participants’ strengths and incorporating program modifications that allow children with autism to share and experience with other participants.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council annually recognize and proclaim Autism Acceptance Month.