Infographic: Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month takes place in April every year and is an important event that helps to raise awareness about those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Learn more about this event, how you can support it, and other ways to support autistic individuals.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month, which is why we’re going to take a look at what it is about, when it was started, and how everyone can do their bit to raise awareness about autism.

Infographic: Autism Awareness Month

This amazing infographic was given to Lighthouse by Andy Mohr Toyota. The infographic shows the importance of Autism Awareness Month and how to #LightItUpBlue!

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the Autism Society of America as “a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.”

The autism spectrum includes a range of conditions affecting social skills, behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. The disorders found within the ASD spectrum include:

• Autistic Disorder
• Rett syndrome
• Childhood disintegrative disorder (also known as Heller’s syndrome)
• Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
• Asperger’s syndrome

Signs and symptoms are usually noticeable in early childhood and emerge between 24 and 36 months of age. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to learn the early signs of autism in children and infants. It is important that you are familiar with typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching as well. 

Some of the most common signs of ASD in children are:

• ​​Not responding to their name 
• Avoiding eye contact
• Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell, or sound
• Repetitive movements and phrases
• One-sided conversations without needing a response

Of course, ASD is unique in every person, and no two people have the exact same symptoms. 

Children with ASD also tend to excel at particular things and have above-average intelligence. Some of the things that they might excel at include music, academics, and visual skills. Roughly 40% of those diagnosed with autism have above-average intellectual abilities. 

Inclusion and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders are just as important as educating the community and bringing awareness to autism. 

Autism Awareness Month Facts

Want to learn more facts about autism? 

• In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, but it wasn’t until 2007 that the official Autism Awareness Day was declared to fall on April 2nd by the United Nations General Assembly. 

• Although Autism Awareness Day still officially falls on April 2nd, most countries recognize the month of April as Autism Awareness Month.
  
• If you’re wondering what the color for Autism Awareness Month is, it’s blue. It’s also the official color for the “Light It Up Blue” campaign. However, many people choose to wear other bright colors to help promote this month as well.

How People Can Raise Awareness About Autism

Many people wonder how to support Autism Awareness Month every year. Some choose to wear the Neurodivergent rainbow-colored infinity symbol, or blue or other bright-colored clothes that stand out. Some also choose to organize or host autism-friendly events or fundraisers, as well as show their support through social media campaigns. Others help by sharing media that explains what autism is and how to understand it better. There are many different ways to show that you support autistic people and want to help spread awareness of autism during this month.

However, while it is important to have a month dedicated to raising awareness about autism,  we don’t believe that autism awareness should be limited to a single month – it’s something that should happen every day.

If you would like to raise awareness about autism every day and not just wonder about things to do for Autism Awareness Month, here are some of the actions you can take:

Educate yourself

Awareness starts at home, and you should do everything that you can to understand more about autism and how it affects people.

Attend local events

There are ongoing autism awareness events throughout the year. Go to these events, take your friends and family, and even volunteer if you have the time.

Stand up for others

If you see an autistic person being bullied or hear someone talking negatively about them, it’s time to stand up and let them know that it’s not okay.

Set a positive example

It’s important that you show others that allistic and autistic folks deserve the same respect. Always act with kindness and help people, and you will become a positive role model for others.

Methods of Inclusion and Acceptance

One of the biggest issues that people with ASD face is the feeling that they are not included and accepted. This could be for children in school or an adult at work. 

It’s easy to help autistic people feel more included – keep an open mind and an open heart when interacting with autistic people. Invite them into your circles and to events (even when you know they will decline) and encourage others to treat autistic people with respect and understanding. 

You can also become more involved by calling or writing to local legislators, state representatives, and other leaders about proposed legislation that could impact autistic people. Be aware of how new policies affect access to things like services, research, insurance, and more. Speak up and encourage others to do the same.

Contact us at Lighthouse Autism Center for more information about Autism Awareness Month. We also have a range of autism resources and information about our unique Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy program for you to access online.

ABA Therapy Center is Now Open in Jenison, Michigan

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states. It has been quite a journey. From its humble beginnings serving four families in one building, to now serving hundreds of families across multiple states for nearly a decade, it is truly amazing. Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center is now open in Jenison, Michigan, providing autism services to 32 children and their families and creating 40 new jobs in the area. 

Our mission is to provide the highest quality autism services to children and families by opening our newest autism center near you. Lighthouse Autism Center has committed to continuing our mission in Jenison, Michigan as the need for ABA services continues to grow. Lighthouse is determined to fill that need by opening new centers in underserved locations with facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals, with our new child development center in Jenison, MI, being testament of that.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

Autism Center for speech and language

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion™, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 269-249-1490 or visit our website.

Jenison Center contact information

8413 Cottonwood Drive

Jenison, Michigan 49428

Family Outreach Phone: 269-249-1490

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

ABA Therapy Center is Now Open in Daleville, Indiana

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in three states. It has been quite a journey. From its humble beginnings serving four families in one building, to now serving hundreds of families across multiple states for nearly a decade, it is truly amazing. Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center is now open in Daleville, Indiana, providing autism services to 25 children and their families and creating 35 new jobs in the area. 

Our mission is to provide the highest quality autism services to children and families by opening our newest autism center near you. Lighthouse Autism Center has committed to continuing our mission in Daleville, Indiana as the need for ABA services continues to grow. Lighthouse is determined to fill that need by opening new centers in underserved locations with facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals, with our new child development center in Daleville, IN, being testament of that.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

Autism Center for speech and language

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 317-222-1242 or visit our website.

Daleville Center contact information

9301 S Innovation Dr. Suite 103

Daleville, Indiana 47334

Family Outreach Phone: 317-222-1242

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Lighthouse Autism Center Celebrates Autism Awareness and Acceptance with a Sensory Friendly Game at the South Bend Cubs

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 4:05PM at Four Winds Field in South Bend, IN. Learn more here: https://fb.me/e/2EKFyVbHg

Lighthouse Autism Center and the South Bend Cubs are partnering to host a sensory friendly day in support of autism awareness and acceptance. Gates opens at 2pm. First pitch is at 4:05pm. Home Plate Suite will be open as a sensory room.

Checkout this year’s t-shirt design below! This design will be featured on the South Bend Cubs special edition Autism Awareness shirts and hoodies, for the month of April!

These shirts and hoodies will be available for purchase from the South Bend Cubs, in-store and online: https://southbendcubs.milbstore.com/

The Cubs Den team store hours are Monday – Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm and is located at 420 S. William St in South Bend.

Join us for a sensory friendly game that will support autism awareness!

Learn More Here: https://www.milb.com/south-bend/tickets/promotions

Wings Etc. South Bend is donating 15% of all pre-tax food & soft drink sales on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to Lighthouse Autism Center in support of autism awareness and acceptance month.

Come to Wings Etc. at 2051 E. Ireland Road in South Bend, Ind. between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Use code D2D0002 at checkout when ordering online at togo.wingsetc.com

Bring the flyer in and show it to your server so you can support the cause.

Wings Etc. Dine to Donate Program

At Wings Etc., we believe in Giving Back to the communities we belong to. We have a simple, easy-to-implement fundraiser program that fits into your busy schedule. Learn more here: https://wingsetc.com/dine-to-donate/

Lighthouse Autism Center is sponsoring a Lights Up Sound Down Sensory Movie Screening with Yes Cinema in Columbus, IN in April 2023 in celebration of autism awareness and acceptance month.

The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program. They have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!

The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.

AMC Theaters is thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, they are so proud to help make a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.

For a list of participating theaters as well as upcoming shows and times visit https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Lighthouse Autism Center Gives Back Fiesta in support of autism awareness and acceptance!

Interested in eating delicious Mexican cuisine and having your money go to a good cause?

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
3903 Portage Ave, South Bend, IN 46628

The Hacienda on Portage Ave in South Bend is having a fundraiser to raise awareness and acceptance for autism! Bring your appetites and the money will go towards assisting special needs families in the Michiana community!

When you bring a Hacienda Gives Back Token on Tuesday April 11th to Hacienda on Portage Ave, you can then donate 20% of your bill to the Maggioli Families First Foundation! You can also donate 20% of your bill by having the tokens viewable on your phone!

You must show your token when ordering.

We hope to see you there! Learn more here: https://fb.me/e/75eXE3oNW

Lighthouse Autism Center is Bringing Autism Therapy Services to East Moline, Illinois

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in four states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across four states for over a decade. It is truly amazing.

East Moline Autism Center Coming Late Spring of 2023

Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center in East Moline, Illinois is Lighthouse autism Center’s fourth children’s autism center to open in Illinois. It is slated to open in the late spring of 2023 providing autism services to 21 children and their families and create over 32 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, Lighthouse Autism Center has sought to do just that in East Moline, IL. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful autism therapy clinics that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 563-526-0533 or visit our website.

East Moline Center Contact Information

1045 12th Ave.

East Moline, Illinois 61244

Family Outreach Phone: 563-526-0533

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Lighthouse Autism Center is Bringing Autism Therapy Services to Davenport, Iowa

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, now with a network of centers in four states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across four states for over a decade. It is truly amazing.

Davenport Autism Center Coming the Spring of 2023

Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center in Davenport, Iowa is Lighthouse autism Center’s first children’s autism center to open in Iowa. It is slated to open in the spring of 2023 providing autism services to 21 children and their families and create over 32 new jobs in the area. 

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, Lighthouse Autism Center has sought to do just that in Davenport, IA. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding into facilities that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider

With beautiful autism therapy clinics that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 563-526-0533 or visit our website.

Davenport Center Contact Information

5354 Elmore Circle

Davenport, Iowa 52807

Family Outreach Phone: 563-526-0533

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Nurses and staff at Peyton Manning Children’s hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana have been attending new training provided by Lighthouse Autism Center to help them better serve patients with autism.  The training is meant to help PICU nurses apply that understanding to patients who may come in for care. These skills will help the staff to determine what actions to take to better communicate and to help make a child with autism the most comfortable. Like the training at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Lighthouse has provided autism training to community organizations and healthcare providers!

Community Education at Lighthouse Autism Center

Lighthouse Autism Center offers a community education program that works with any local community organization or healthcare provider who is looking to better understand how to support and advocate for those with autism. Sessions are led by our highly trained and experienced team of BCBA’s and involves information on the signs of autism, characteristics of autism, and appropriate interactions and de-escalation techniques. These trainings are tailored to specific organizations such as first responders, police departments, medical facilities, libraries, collage healthcare programs, and more. Participants are invited to ask our clinical team about specific situations or questions, and we offer a free autism resource kit with each presentation. This kit includes materials that may allow individuals on the spectrum to meet their sensory needs and aid in simple communication. It is crucial that we continue to bring awareness to autism and to help educate our community so not only can parents and caregivers recognize the signs of autism and can get their child early intervention services, but also to teach those around us how to properly communicate and interact with a child on the autism spectrum. To request an Autism 101 Training, submit a form here: https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/request-a-training-form/

Services at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a full-service medical center dedicated to the needs of children and families. When you choose Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, your child’s care is connected – from 24/7 emergency care to primary care and specialty care. That means all of your child’s doctors and specialists are working together for your child and family. To learn more about Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, visit: https://healthcare.ascension.org/

ABA Therapy at Lighthouse Autism Center

ABA Therapy principles have been applied since the early 1960s to both children and adults with various developmental diagnosis. Since then, there has been an evolution and improvement in the therapy techniques used in ABA, however, the core teaching of ABA has stayed the same. ABA is scientifically validated, and data driven and consistently shows the best outcomes for children with autism.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we offer the highest quality therapy in a beautiful, play-based environment. With an innovative ABA therapy model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children make greater progress, faster, all while having fun. Children are immersed in imaginary spaces where they can naturally explore their interests, engage in sensory experiences, and practice language. Each child’s progress can be seen in smiles and laughter, because we know children learn best when they’re having fun.

Lighthouse Autism Center is Bringing Autism Services to Jenison, Michigan

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, with a network of centers in now, three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade, it is truly amazing.

Jenison Autism Center opening spring of 2023

Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center is slated to open in the spring of 2023 and will provide autism services to 32 children and their families and create 40 new jobs in the area.  To learn or more or inquire about enrollment, visit www.lighthouseautismcenter.com. 

Check out our construction progress!

Natural and play-based ABA therapy

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, LAC has sought to do just that in Jenison, MI. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding our facilities, such as our child development center in Jenison, MI, that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider. With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 269-249-1490 or visit our website.

Jenison Center contact information

8413 Cottonwood Drive

Jenison, Michigan 49428

Family Outreach Phone: 269-249-1490

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!

Lighthouse Autism Center is Bringing Autism Services to Daleville, Indiana

Lighthouse Autism Center (LAC) continues to expand, with a network of centers in now, three states – quite a journey from its humble beginnings serving four families in one building to now serving hundreds of families across three states for nearly a decade, it is truly amazing.

Daleville Autism Center opening early 2023

Our newest state-of-the-art ABA therapy center is slated to open in early 2023 and will provide autism services to 25 children and their families and create 35 new jobs in the area.  To learn or more or inquire about enrollment, visit www.lighthouseautismcenter.com. 

Check out our Construction Progress!

Natural and play-based ABA therapy

With a mission of providing the highest quality autism services to children and families through our facilities, LAC has sought to do just that in Daleville, IN. As the need for ABA services continues to grow, Lighthouse seeks to fill that need by expanding our facilities, such as our child development center in Daleville, IN, that can accommodate a larger capacity of learners, helping more families and children with autism, reach their goals.

Lighthouse Autism Center is the Midwest’s leading autism therapy provider. With beautiful facilities that promote natural and play-based learning, and a team of highly trained and compassionate clinicians, Lighthouse Autism Center brings together compassionate care and clinical excellence to offer the highest quality ABA therapy to children with autism.

With a unique clinical model called Lighthouse Fusion®, children at Lighthouse are making greater progress, faster, all while having fun. While other ABA centers typically keep ABA and speech therapies separate, Lighthouse Fusion brings these two therapies together into one enhanced therapy solution. We invite you to learn more about how this innovative clinical model is helping to unlock each child’s potential. 

To learn more about Lighthouse Autism Center or enroll your child, contact our Family Outreach Coordinator at 317-222-1242 or visit our website.

Daleville Center contact information

9301 S Innovation DR

Daleville, Indiana 47334

Family Outreach Phone: 317-222-1242

Don’t see an autism treatment center listed near you? Contact us and let us know the area you are in, and we will notify you when we have a center opening near you!