You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.
You have the opportunity to support a community.
You have the opportunity to show your allyship.
You have the opportunity to help.
This year for Autism Acceptance Month, we want to share a theme that will extend long beyond April. Our goal is to help change the narrative on supporting individuals with autism and illustrate that there are many ways to help.
It all starts with you and four simple words, “How Can I Help?”
The “How Can I Help?” theme is inspired by NEXT advisory board member Russell Lehmann (pictured). Russell, an award-winning and internationally recognized motivational speaker, poet, author, and activist, shares in one of his presentations the importance of offering this seemingly simple gesture, “How Can I Help?” It’s something all of us can do when we see someone experiencing distress or an uncomfortable situation, whether you know the person, or how you can help. It’s the act of asking, of showing your support and allyship, that makes a positive impact.
These four simple words also provide day-to-day support for the autism community. Below are five (5) simple ways you can help during Autism Acceptance Month, and beyond.
If you see someone experiencing a stressful or overstimulating situation, ask them, “How can I help?”.
- As Russell shared with the NEXT team during his presentation, it is that simple gesture of someone ‘seeing him’, of asking "How can I help?", that signals support is nearby. The person may respond or not, but the point is for them to know that they have an ally in that moment.
- Learn more about Russell’s experience and his inspiring work: CLICK HERE.
- To watch Russell's TED Talk, "When Ignorance Becomes Awareness,"
CLICK HERE
Did you know that 51% of neurodivergent employees have quit or want to quit due to a lack of support? Or that 85% of college graduates with autism are unemployed?
We all need to support improved hiring and employment of autistic adults, here are a few ways to start:
Hear some of today’s top neurodiverse employment leaders discuss the importance, and benefits, of hiring a neurodiverse workforce.
NEXT is currently recruiting aspiring professionals and established professionals for its next pilot program. Join us!
Use and share these actionable resources for both job seekers and employers, to assist with hiring and ongoing employment.
Share NEXT funding opportunities with autistic-led and community-based organizations.
NEXT for AUTISM has funded more than 350 projects at 145 organizations across the United States, including autistic-led organizations like Communication 4 ALL, pictured. These NEXT-funded programs have impacted more than 100,000 autistic individuals.
We have funded some amazing people and organizations, and we'd like to support even more. Please share details about NEXT's grants program with organizations you think would benefit from our funding.
You have a choice of where you buy your coffee, snacks, dog treats, clothing, merchandise, etc. Why not support the smart, hard-working autistic adults behind so many wonderful in-person and online businesses?
Here is a brief list of businesses and organizations. If you know of more that we should list, please email [email protected].
Be part of what's NEXT for autism with a monthly recurring gift. Why set up a recurring gift? Each month you will have already answered, "How Can I Help?" and you will receive this "I'm part of what's NEXT for AUTISM" bag as our thank you.
Whether you choose a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift, we are grateful for your support that enables NEXT to be laser-focused on impacting the lives of more than 100,000 autistic individuals and positions us to continue to build and expand our initiatives that have direct and measurable impact. Thank you.
Thanks to our friends at Spectrum Designs for creating these special bags!
