David Michel

April is Autism Acceptance Month. This year's theme, “Celebrate Differences,” aims to herald the acceptance of individuals beyond the spectrum.

The Autism Society of America dropped the term "Autism Awareness Month" in 2021 to promote receptivity and inclusivity.
 
Autism is a complex developmental condition stemming from differences in a person's brain structure and neurotransmitters affecting individuals' verbal and non-verbal communication. Currently, 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism every year.

Things to remember about autism:

• Autism is a disorder, not a disease
• Individuals with autism need our support and not our judgment
• It is likely you have met someone with autism, even if you think you haven't
• Everyone on the autism spectrum is different, and there are many subtypes
• Children with autistic characteristics are generally diagnosed by age four
• Diagnosis rates may be increasing, but there are now better ways to monitor and assess symptoms

LEARN MORE ON STATE RESOURCES

It is important to celebrate our differences so we can learn more about one another and empower all those who have autism.

PUSH FOR HOUSING EQUITY

Let Fair Housing Month be a reminder that you have the right to choose where to live, to raise a family, and to own a home. It is your right to do so in dignity and without fear of discrimination because of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, or because you are disabled or have children in your family or are pregnant. 

Fair housing in Connecticut also means you may freely choose a place to live without regard to your age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation or lawful source of income (which means that income from social security, SSI, housing assistance, child support, alimony, public or general assistance should not restrict your housing rights).

Find more information and resources on fair housing by CLICKING HERE!

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

I invite you to join the conversation addressing book bans and supporting public libraries. There will be a panel discussion tomorrow night at Ferguson Library from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Many of my colleagues, who represent Stamford in the State House and State Senate, will be there digging deeper into book bans across the country and finding new avenues to help our public libraries. One new, proposed bill calls on allowing Connecticut libraries to use certain state grants to lend endangered books.

Keep in mind, Ferguson Library is the state’s only sanctuary for endangered books. Books enable us to learn more about ourselves and others. They are a crucial tool in schools to help develop children's minds and to provide an escape for adults. 

I am so sorry I cannot join the panel discussion tomorrow, but I'll be there in spirit. I strongly support our public libraries that are fighting to become sanctuaries for important books that should be shared.

If you cannot attend in person, you can listen and watch from home via Zoom.

WATCH ONLINE