NIMH Hosts Event for Autism Acceptance Month, Apr. 16

The National Institute of Mental Health and the Office of National Autism Coordination will host the 11th annual Autism Acceptance Month event, “Sound Tracks: An Artistic Journey to Belonging” on Tuesday, Apr. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. People with ASD often have differences in social behavior and communication, intense interests and repetitive behaviors.

The hybrid event will feature autistic photographer Blair Bunting, autistic violinist Laura Nadine and neurodivergent filmmaker John Schaffer. The event will include a showing of the film Sound Tracks, directed by Schaffer and featuring Bunting and Nadine, as well as Q&A with the artists and remarks from Denise Resnik of First Place AZ, the nonprofit organization that sponsored the film. 

Attend in person in Lipsett Amphitheater, Bldg. 10, or virtually via videocast at https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=54247. Pre-registration is recommended. Register online at https://bit.ly/3PGodLh.

Autism spectrum disorder can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of two. If you notice signs, seek an assessment to get the earliest diagnosis, interventions and services possible. 

It’s recommended that all children be screened for developmental delays beginning at their 9-month well-child visit and specifically for autism at their 18- and 24-month visits. 

Learn more at https://go.nih.gov/nLv8oCK.