April is Autism Awareness Month

A time for learning, educating, and advocating

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refers to a common group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social interaction, language and communication, and behavior. Although these areas of challenges are common to ASD, this brain-based disorder affects individuals in different ways.

Take Part

Light It Up Blue is a nationwide autism awareness campaign led by Autism Speaks. Wear blue on April 2 and share information about autism.

Supports for families affected by autism

The Fifth Annual Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) Conference on Friday-Saturday, April 5-6, provides presentations and break-out sessions for adults with siblings who have disabilities. Details here.
TRIAD Families First Workshop on Saturday, April 20, will address Developing Basic Communication. No cost. For parents of young children with ASD. Click here to register.
SibSaturdays provide fun, games, and sharing for children, ages 5-13, who have a brother or sister with a disability. Details here.

For professionals

TRIAD Communication Focused Workshop. This regional 2-day workshop, supported by the TN Department of Education, is for primarily school-based speech-language pathologists: Nashville April 2-3; Knoxville April 9-10; Jackson/West TN April 16-17. Visit the VKC Events page to register.
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) Clinical Training will be held June 25-26. Click here to register.
See also TRIAD School-Based Consultation.

Need information?

Vanderbilt Autism Resource Line is a gateway to clinical and research programs and resources at Vanderbilt.
Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) provides services, training, and resources for families, educators, and other professionals, and conducts research on the causes and treatment of ASD.
Vanderbilt Autism Treatment Network is dedicated to improving medical care for children and adolescents with autism by offering comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, care and counseling.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder is a free information and referral helpline. Its website includes a list of Tennessee autism resources.
Autism-related materials can be downloaded from the VKC website.
Autism Society of Middle Tennessee provides monthly workshops, orientations, annual conferences, support groups, referral, phone support, educational and legislative advocacy, and more.