Autism Acceptance Month
April is National Autism Acceptance Month when we celebrate autism and neurodiversity with events and resources that spread awareness and promote acceptance.
Neurodiversity is a variation in things like sociability, learning, attention, and mood within the population. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders that often include repetitive behaviors and difficulties with social communication and interaction.
Throughout the month and all year long, celebrate and embrace our differences by learning something new, attending an event, and viewing the amazing artwork in the Artists and Autism: Beyond the Spectrum exhibit.
Call for Artists
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 14, at 5 p.m. EST
Leon County Government invites residents of all ages and abilities to submit artwork for an upcoming exhibition titled Artists and Autism: Beyond the Spectrum. Artwork will be displayed at the Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library and in a virtual exhibit throughout April in celebration of National Autism Acceptance Month.
Artists may participate in both the in-person and online exhibitions.
Events
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Audience: all
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Description:
The infinity symbol represents diversity and acceptance within the autism and neurodiverse community. Throughout April, the Leon County Public Library invites community members to create their own infinity symbol designs and submit them for a chance to be featured in next year’s celebration.
The winning design will become the official logo for Autism Acceptance Month: Celebration of Neurodiversity in April 2026. The winning submission and nine runners-up will be displayed at a library location throughout the month.
Infinity logo templates are available at all Leon County Public Library branches. A digital version can be downloaded from the Autism Acceptance Month website, and virtual submissions can be sent to answersquad@leoncountyfl.gov.
More info
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Audience: all
Location:
Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
Description:
Join us for the opening of our fifth annual Autism Acceptance Month art exhibit, Artists and Autism: Beyond the Spectrum. Enjoy local art, meet with the artists, and snack on light refreshments.
Hosted in partnership with the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD) and Arts4All Florida, the exhibit features both an in-person display at the Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library and a virtual gallery.
The exhibit will be on display from April 2-30, 2025.
More info
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Audience: all
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Leon County Main Library
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The Leon County Public Library invites the community to its fourth annual Autism Acceptance Month Resource Fair, a one-stop shop for local resources supporting the neurodiverse community. Drop in to connect with organizations from across the Big Bend and explore the services and support available.
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No more events.
Exhibit
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Audience: all
Location:
Bruce J. Host Northeast Branch Library
Description:
The Artists and Autism: Beyond the Spectrum exhibit showcases artwork by talented local artists celebrating autism and neurodiversity. Presented in partnership with the FSU Autism Institute, the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD), and Arts4All Florida, the exhibit is available both online through the library’s website and in person.
More info
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No more events.
Resources
The library has many resources for those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergences. Our catalog has a wide selection of items and resources to help accommodate preferred ways of reading, explore how to meditate or cope with over-stimulation, and even help jumpstart learning a new language!
All library locations are designated Autism-Friendly Businesses by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at FSU (CARD FSU).
Virtual Tours
View a virtual tour of each library location to help prepare for your visit.
Calming Tools
Visiting the library can be difficult for individuals with sensory differences. Designed to calm, assure, and channel energy, our Calming Tools can help make a visit more successful. Items include noise-canceling headphones, wiggle cushions, weighted lap pads, and fidgets. Calming Tools are available for in-library use only.
Sensory Kits
More than just books, Sensory Kits provide a layered approach to emotional and physical learning. Each kit contains two books as well as toys, games, and tools. Themes include emotions, mindful moments, overstimulation solutions, sensory stimulation, gross motor fun, and fine motor fun.
Neurodiversity adult fiction
Neurodiversity adult non-fiction
Neurodiversity young adult fiction
Neurodiversity junior fiction
Neurodiversity junior non-fiction
Easy books
Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Dyslexia
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Youth graphic novels
Graphic novels for adults
Libby and Boundless offer thousands of audiobooks and eBooks to choose from.
Users can change font sizes and switch to dyslexic-friendly fonts, making eBooks more accessible to readers.
Autism Awareness category on Kanopy Streaming
Check out DVDs
Learn more than 70+ languages using the Mango Languages app. In comprehensive courses you’ll learn vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture simultaneously through interactive lessons and activities.
Partner Resources
The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is dedicated to providing individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them with free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity within the community.
Arts4All Florida is the state organization on arts and disability. They provide, support and champion arts education and cultural experiences for and by people with disabilities. Their vision is to create a world in which the arts are universally accessible.