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, 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.

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: Shake the World Exhibit Opening, Tuesday, April 2, from 6 to 7 p.m., downtown Main Library – Join us for the opening of our fourth annual Autism Acceptance Month art exhibit featuring physical and digital artwork by talented local artists. During the event, chat with the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Hosted in partnership with the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Arts4All Florida, the exhibit will be on display until April 30. Can’t make it to the Main Library? View our virtual exhibit from April 1-30.
• Resource Fair, Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 3 p.m., downtown Main Library – Connect with organizations that provide services and resources for neurodiverse individuals during the third annual Autism Acceptance Month Resource Fair.
• Sensory Story Time and Stay & Play, every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., downtown Main Library – Enjoy an inclusive and interactive story time filled with songs, stories, and fun! Stay & Play will include a special sensory craft in celebration of National Autism Acceptance Month.

This year’s Autism Acceptance Month logo was designed by Kieran P., a self-taught young adult artist and library volunteer at the Lake Jackson Branch, and selected from more than 70 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.

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 for people who are neurodivergent.

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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2024 Autism Acceptance Month logo designed by Kieran P.

Attendees enjoying the artwork at the 2023 Autism Acceptance Month exhibit opening at the Leon County Main Library.

Attendees meeting with local organizations at the 2023 Autism Acceptance Month Resource Fair at the Leon County Main Library.