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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2023
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County Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with Library Events and Resources
Leon County Government celebrates autism and neurodiversity during National Autism Acceptance Month with art exhibits, a resource fair, music therapy, and sensory story times for all ages and abilities from the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System. Topical book lists and movie watchlists give citizens the opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity and the experience of living on the spectrum.
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In addition to these in-person and digital resources, citizens are encouraged to attend the County’s upcoming events throughout National Autism Acceptance Month. Events are open to all community members and accessible to neurodiverse children, teens, and adults.
- Artists and Autism: A Kaleidoscope of Neurodiversity Exhibit Opening, Saturday, April 1, from 1-3 p.m., downtown Main Library – Celebrate the start of Autism Acceptance Month with an exhibit featuring physical and digital artwork by local artists. Chat with the artists and enjoy crafts for adults and children. The exhibit will be on display until April 30. Can’t make it to the Main Library? Visit your nearest branch for a craft and virtual slideshow of the art exhibit, which is also on display until April 30.
- Artists and Autism: A Kaleidoscope of Neurodiversity First Friday Kickoff, Friday, April 7, from 6-9 p.m., Railroad Square Art Park – In partnership with Able Artists Gallery and Obsessions Gift Shop, join us for this kickoff event featuring artwork by local artists and a performance by Pyramid Studios’ rock band, The Electric People. The exhibits at Able Artists Gallery and Obsessions Gift Shop will be on display until April 30.
- Adult Book Club, Thursday, April 27, at 5 p.m., Fort Braden Branch Library and via Zoom – Enjoy a lively discussion about the 2017 novel Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, which focuses on the importance of friendship and human connection.
- Resource Fair, Saturday, April 29, from 1-4 p.m., downtown Main Library – Families can connect with organizations that provide services and resources for neurodiverse individuals.
- Music Therapy - Make Music Together, various dates, times, and locations – Play music, sing, and dance while learning how to use music to achieve therapeutic goals for children and caregivers with the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Music Therapy Department.
- Sensory Story Time, various dates, times, and locations – Children and their caregivers can enjoy songs, stories, and fun in this inclusive and interactive story time.
This year’s Autism Acceptance Month logo was designed by Chris Patrick and was selected from more than 100 entries. All logo entries can be viewed in the Library’s online gallery. The infinity symbol celebrates the acceptance and infinite diversity of those on the autism spectrum and in the neurodiverse community.
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National Autism Acceptance Month is recognized every April to spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change. Throughout the month and all year long, Leon County Government is proud to celebrate and support the needs of all Leon County residents by increasing inclusion, understanding, and support of people who are neurodivergent.
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Visit LeonCountyFL.gov/Celebration to see a complete list of resources and events.
For more information, contact Sally Mason, Learning & Workforce Services Manager, at (850) 606-2617 / MasonSa@LeonCountyFL.gov or Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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