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: Infinite Expressions exhibition.
Call for Artists
Deadline to apply: Friday, March 13, 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: Infinite Expressions. Artwork will be displayed at the Leon County Main Library and in a virtual exhibition 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
Location:
See Details
Description:
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 infinity symbol represents diversity and acceptance within the autism and neurodiverse community.
In collaboration with the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and Arts4All Florida, one submission will be selected as the logo for the library's Autism Acceptance Month celebration in April 2027. The winning submission and nine runners-up will be displayed at a library location throughout April 2027.
Infinity logo templates are available at all Leon County Public Library branches. A digital version can be downloaded and virtual submissions can be sent to answersquad@leoncountyfl.gov.
More info
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Audience: all
Location:
Leon County Main Library
Description:
Celebrate the opening of the sixth annual Autism Acceptance Month art exhibition featuring artwork by local artists of all ages and abilities. Meet the artists, explore a wide range of creative expressions, and enjoy light refreshments.
Presented in partnership with the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD) and Arts4All Florida, the exhibition will be on view throughout the month of April, both in person and through a virtual gallery.
More info
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No more events.
Exhibition
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Audience: all
Location:
Leon County Main Library
Description:
This exhibition features artwork by local artists of all ages and abilities, highlighting autism and neurodiversity through a wide range of creative perspectives. Presented in partnership with the Florida State University Autism Institute, the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD), and Arts4All Florida, the exhibition is available both in person and online.
More info
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No more events.
View the Artists and Autism: Beyond the Spectrum virtual exhibition from 2025.
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 offers 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.