When I started Autism Kids, I knew that I wanted our organization to be different. Founded in 2023 in Charlotte, N.C., Autism Kids has found ways to challenge what autism means for children and how society provides support for this vulnerable population. We pride ourselves on having neuro-affirming initiatives that spark conversations about neurodiversity.
While many charities for autism exist, few embrace neurodiversity or push the boundaries of inclusivity. At Autism Kids, we aim to change that by listening to autistic voices and developing initiatives that touch the heart of the neurodiversity movement and better the lives of autistic children.
The Centers for Disease Control recently found that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism. Autism is present in every gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Despite its prevalence, autism can be misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to detrimental effects on an autistic person’s mental health and well-being. This is especially true for autistic children who can often be victims of ignorance.
Unfortunately, a lack of information about autism can lead to discrimination and bullying, which causes emotional pain and damages a child’s self-esteem and sense of identity. The more acceptance autistic children gain, the better their mental health. Acceptance greatly increases a child’s chance of happiness and success in all areas of life.
Autism Kids was founded to spread acceptance and destigmatize autism so that autistic children can be happy, emotionally healthy, and free from bullying or discrimination. We offer a range of opportunities for autistic kids to thrive including social events, education, and community outreach. Our current initiative focuses on representation in the classroom.
A large part of developing a child’s sense of self-esteem and identity is achieved through representation in the classroom. Too often, autistic characters and themes are absent from children’s books. This leaves autistic children feeling forgotten. A sense of autistic pride cannot be developed when only allistic children are highlighted - representation is vital to an autistic child’s healthy development.
As the mother of an autistic non-speaking child, I was shocked and dismayed to discover that the books my child was given in first grade did not feature any autistic characters or themes. None of the characters looked like my son or highlighted the strengths of autistic children. I knew that there had to be a better way to show my son that autism is a neurotype that deserves to be embraced and celebrated. Thus, our autism book drive was born.
The author’s son Jackson showing off his new book
To foster acceptance, Autism Kids is actively working to put 500 books with autistic characters and themes in local classrooms. These books illustrate that autistic people have the same strength, intelligence, and capability as their neurotypical peers. The books will help both autistic and allistic students celebrate differences, embrace neurodiversity, and be an ally for inclusivity. Our initiatives are shaped by autistic voices in the community and we strive to act as a beacon of change.
We are starting with distributing 100 books and hope to have raised enough money for 500 books for the 2023-2024 school year. But, that is only the beginning of our work. From special celebrations of Neurodiversity Pride Day to charity drives and community engagement, Autism Kids prides itself on our commitment to bettering the lives of autistic children. More than just a nonprofit, Autism Kids is a much-needed progressive organization that celebrates neurodiversity and autistic pride.
Autism Kids is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization and 100% of proceeds go directly towards books featuring autistic characters and storylines. To donate to our book drive or learn more about our other initiatives, please visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for being an ally!
https://www.gofundme.com/manage/autism-kids-autism-books-in-charlotte-schools
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094034181084
https://www.instagram.com/autismkidsnc/