On Wednesday, April 29, Literacy in Community’s (LINC) held its monthly virtual, bilingual Reading Celebration commemorating Autism Acceptance Month to bring autism awareness and resources to our communities and beyond. The program entitled, Autism is My Way of Being, focused on how acceptance leads to inclusion and ways to reduce stigma around the subject of neurodivergence.

The packed program included a read aloud of All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Danielle Royer and Shaina Rudolph, guest speakers from The Friends of Crown Heights and LINC’s Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC) who specialize in assistance with early childhood services, and culminated with an art project designed to embrace one’s uniqueness (or stripes, in this case). 

“Autism awareness is important because it helps remove fear, misunderstanding, and judgment. Sometimes families feel embarrassed or afraid to ask for help because of stigma or negative attitudes, and unfair judgment. But autism is nothing to be ashamed of. Every child deserves love, respect, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Awareness leads to acceptance, and acceptance leads to inclusion,” said Jess Ian Garate, Education Director at Friends of Crown Heights. Mr. Jess is a trained ABA therapist and a special educator with over a decade of experience supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs, especially those on the autism spectrum.

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism by Danielle Royer and Shaina Rudolph is a children’s book about a zebra named Zane who feels different because of his autism, but learns from his mother that autism is just one of his many unique and wonderful “stripes,” like his curiosity, honesty, and kindness stripes, which all make him who he is. The book, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, is designed to help children with autism spectrum disorders and their peers understand and appreciate neurodiversity, and includes notes for parents and caregivers. 

“Our shared goal is to help others learn that we are all beautiful, flawed, capable individuals in our own ways…there isn’t a right or wrong way to be,” said Sejal Kothari, MD and Director of LINC’s Upper Manhattan Early Childhood Connect (UMECC). “The American Pediatric Association recommends standard autism screenings at ages 18 months and 24 months. We know that 80% of the brain is developed by 3 years and 90% by 5 years, so detecting any challenges early is crucial. Remember to ask your pediatrician any questions you may have. And if your child does have autism, it is only one part of their individuality. The AAP encourages families to find support in their communities, and to find joy in their child’s daily moments.”

UMECC supports families with children 0-5 who live in Upper Manhattan neighborhoods with the knowledge, resources, and self-agency needed to promote optimal early development, which promotes a lifelong path of health and well-being. UMECC’s confidential call center offers safe support in virtually every language and can be reached at 347-503-7220. 

Together, we can raise awareness and promote inclusion.

For more information and early intervention resources, visit www.umecc.org or reach out to skothari@lincnyc.org, and don’t forget to register for your next LINC program at www.lincnyc.org/programs.