Autism Acceptance Month highlights inclusion efforts in Yuma

April marks Autism Acceptance Month across the country. In Yuma, local organizations and first responders are working together to build a more inclusive and understanding community.

For many, that effort begins with closing the gap between families affected by autism and the community around them.

“Autism Acceptance Month is very close to my heart. I have been working with children with special needs for over 20 years," Berenice Diaz, founder of the Strong Beginnings project said. "Starting off as a teacher. And I have always seen, kind of a disconnect, you know, between, between the families and community.”

Organizations like Strong Beginnings are helping bridge that gap through both services and community events. They provide Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), a therapy that focuses on improving social and behavioral skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

As part of Autism Acceptance Month, Strong Beginnings will host its annual Walk for Autism on Saturday at Gateway Park. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and the walk is set to start at 9 a.m. The event aims to raise funds to help families access specialized care, including services that may not be readily available in Yuma.

The Yuma Police Department is also joining the effort to promote awareness and inclusion. The department is hosting its first Autism Awareness Community Event on April 25, creating an opportunity for families to connect with officers in a supportiv environment.

“This event is really important for us. Myself and LT. Pino have children who are on the autism spectrum," SGT. Christina Fernandez said. "With speaking about our personal experiences, we learned that a lot of our officers and personnel also have children and loved ones who are on the spectrum as well. So it’s really important for us to be able to bring this awareness to the community, and know the importance behind it.”

Organizers say these efforts go beyond awareness and focus on building trust, expanding resources and strengthening connections.

With more ABA and speech therapy providers now available in Yuma, advocates say the community is making progress, but there is work to be done.

"I hope this is the beginning to that inclusion. Because I think we’re past that awareness," Diaz said. "We all know it exists right, now we have to really accept so that we can create that inclusion within our community."

Local groups say events like these are just beginning, as they continue working year-round to ensure families feel supported and connected.