April is a special month for those of us in the autism community. It’s a time for the entire nation to come together to learn about and embrace the differences and talents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
For many of the individuals Eden supports, their families and the staff who work with them directly, what others might think of as little moments are actually big moments. Learning how to communicate your own needs and mastering daily living skills like tying your shoes and brushing your teeth are huge milestones for the children and adults who attend our programs. Mastering tasks that neurotypical individuals take for granted can be massive milestones for many with ASD.
As a provider of services across the lifespan, Eden celebrates little big moments at every stage of an individual’s journey. From a student who has learned how to communicate on their iPad to an adult who is starting their first day in a new job, every moment where an individual gains more independence is worthy of celebration.
The journey toward full inclusion starts with acceptance, and acceptance cannot be achieved without understanding the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families. From respecting the different ways individuals with autism communicate to creating opportunities for individuals to enter the workforce, we will continue our work to create a more inclusive world — this month, and every month. And we will celebrate every victory — no matter how big or seemingly small — every step of the way.
Join us this month by sharing your own stories of the little big moments. Use #BigEdenMoments to share your story on social media to help raise awareness and acceptance about our extraordinary Eden community.
