Hey y’all, it’s Autism Awareness Month.

This month is a time to slow down, learn more, and really celebrate the strengths, joy, and unique perspectives of autistic individuals. At EPiC, we are not just talking about awareness. We are talking about understanding, access, and making sure our children are truly seen, supported, and valued in every space they walk into.

For many of our families, navigating the special education process is not simple. It can feel overwhelming, confusing, frustrating, and at times isolating. There are meetings, paperwork, decisions, and moments where you are expected to speak up in rooms that were not built with you in mind. And still, our parents show up.

You show up asking questions, learning systems, and advocating, even when you are tired, drained, and just can’t. That matters, and you should not have to do that alone. That is exactly why our Special Education Collective exists. This is a space for parents and caregivers who are navigating IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and everything in between. It is a space where we come together to learn, share, ask questions, and support each other through the process.

Because let’s be real for a minute. Sometimes you leave a meeting thinking, what just happened? Sometimes you are handed documents full of language that has Google confused. Sometimes you are told what your child can’t do when you already know what they can.

That is where community comes in.

In our SpEd Collective, Alecia, our SpEd Program Manager, really breaks it down with you in mind. With her by our side, we walk through real experiences. She helps make sure we understand what is being said and what your rights are, so when you walk into those meetings, you are not second guessing yourself. You walk up in there informed, prepared, and grounded in what your child needs.

Like everything lately, we are seeing some shifts that matter. A recent article from Howard Magazine by Shanter Alexander  shared that more Black and LatinX children are now being diagnosed with autism. You might be thinking it is because of ethnicity. Wrong. It is because screening tools are becoming more inclusive, yes, that word. Right now, about one in thirty six children are diagnosed, and that tells us just how important access and early identification really are for families. After you are done reading this, go check out the article.

There are also simple, everyday ways we can show support. It might look like supporting businesses that hire autistic individuals or giving to organizations like ECAC, CANDOR, ISLA, or the Hill Center that are doing this work locally. It can also look like how we show up in our daily interactions. Asking someone what language they prefer, using affirming words, or just giving a few extra seconds for processing before repeating something. Real simple, basic human courtesy, like your mama, grandmama, Big Mama, if you are from the South, taught you. Those small shifts matter.

When it comes to advocacy, it is about uplifting voices, encouraging self advocacy, and supporting policies that create real access and protection for our children. The usual EPiC work. This month is also a reminder that our children are whole. They are brilliant. They are worthy of support that meets them where they are. So if you are a parent navigating this journey, I want you to hear me clearly. You are not alone. You are not asking for too much. And you are not wrong for speaking up for your child. You are doing exactly what your child needs you to do.

If you have not joined our Special Education Collective yet, consider this your invitation. We are creating space for you to plug in this month. Instead of being in person, our Special Education Collective will be virtual on April 22nd from 6 to 8 pm. Come into a space where you can ask questions, build knowledge, and connect with other parents who understand what this journey really looks like.

Because when we come together, we move differently. We advocate differently. And we make sure our children do not miss opportunities. So I hope to see you in a tiny box at the end of this month.

All in all, this month is about connection, understanding, and making sure people feel seen, supported, and valued.

As always, Be Excellent. Be Well. Be EPiC.