A Time for Hope: A Letter to Our Community: Honoring Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month

April is here—and my heart is full.

Full of pride.

Full of hope.

Full of fire.

Because Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a living, breathing movement. It’s the heartbeat of families like mine. It’s the courageous voice of self-advocates. It’s the tireless work of organizations and creators who are helping build a more inclusive world, brick by brick, story by story, and moment by moment.

I can think of no better way to launch A Time for Hope Blog, in partnership with The Arc of Indiana, than this month. This is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come—and shine a light on the work still ahead.

Autism Is Being Seen

There was a time when autism was misunderstood, misrepresented, or simply invisible in mainstream media. But now? I’m seeing something different. Something beautiful. Something intentional.

PBS Kids and other children’s programming platforms are beginning to introduce neurodivergent characters, stories, and even vocabulary into the everyday world of young viewers.

Shows like:

• “Hero Elementary”, where AJ Gadgets is a young superhero with autism, proudly showing his strengths and navigating challenges with heart and brilliance.

• “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”, which welcomes Max, a character with autism, voiced by a young actor on the spectrum.

• “Sesame Street”, who introduced Julia—a sweet, curious, autistic girl who brings her own rhythm to friendship and play.

These moments may feel small, but they’re huge for the children watching—both autistic children who finally see themselves reflected, and neurotypical kids who are learning to celebrate difference instead of fearing it.

Representation matters. And our kids are watching.

Indiana Is Showing Up

Closer to home, my heart swells at the incredible work happening across the state of Indiana to support, uplift, and include autistic individuals and their families.

• The Autism Society of Indiana’s “30 Days of Autism” campaign is a vibrant invitation to learn, connect, and engage throughout the entire month of April.

• Ausome Indy continues to expand its growing calendar of sensory-friendly and inclusive events for families, – making joy, play, and connection more accessible than ever.

• In Noblesville, Bee Free Warrior, a nonprofit bakery, not only makes gluten-free, healthy snacks—but also employs individuals living with autism, proving that meaningful work and belonging go hand in hand.

These are not just programs. They’re lifelines. They’re loud declarations of love, acceptance, and action.

Celebrating Growth, Recognizing the Gaps

Yes—we’re seeing progress. Yes—we’re seeing compassion grow.

But we still have real, urgent needs that can’t be overlooked.

Families like mine who utilize ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy are now at risk of losing access to this critical service in the years ahead. Policy shifts and funding changes threaten what so many children rely on to learn, communicate, and thrive.

And even when children are ready to transition into public schools, families often face resistance—schools frequently deny the support of RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) in the classroom. These are the very professionals who help our children navigate, regulate, and succeed. Being told “they can’t come in” feels like being told our child doesn’t belong. 

But we continue.

We advocate.

We educate.

We believe.

Because our families are not just surviving—we are building something better. We are helping to create a community where every child—regardless of learning style or neurological makeup—has a place to learn, play, and live fully.

Stories from Within the Community

One of the most powerful shifts I’m seeing is the amplification of voices from within the neurodivergent community.  Our very own, “What If My Pieces Don’t Fit?” and the foundation of KI Productions’ Neurodivergent Collection are giving space to authentic, honest, and beautifully human stories told by those living the experience. It’s not about fitting a mold—it’s about celebrating the truth of who we are. Publishing, storytelling, and media are catching up. And we’re here for it.  

A Final Word from My Heart

This month, and every month, I want to say this to every family walking this path:

You are seen. You are strong. You are shaping the world.

To every child whose brain dances to a different beat—we see your magic.

To every educator, therapist, employer, and creator opening doors—thank you.

To every advocate fighting for resources, support, and acceptance—don’t stop.

Because we are not just raising awareness.

We are building belonging.

Happy Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month—may it be filled with bold love, deeper understanding, and joyful connection. And may we continue the work all year long.

The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) realizing their goals of living, learning, working, and fully participating in the community. It is affiliated with The Arc of the United States and has 44 local chapters covering 68 counties throughout the state.

They are home to The Arc Master Trust, Indiana’s leading special needs trust, and the founder of Erskine Green Training Institute, which offers postsecondary vocational training to individuals with disabilities.

The combined strength of The Arc at the local, state, and national levels makes The Arc the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with IDD and their families.

Marya Patrice Sherron, MFA is a writer, advocate, and community leader dedicated to uplifting voices and fostering inclusivity. A former professor of Creative Writing and Black Studies, she founded KI Productions in 2021—an independent publishing and production company built on the belief that every story matters.

As the author of three children’s books—Time to Dance, Small Big Gifts, and What if My Pieces Don’t Fit?—Marya’s work has been recognized for its impact, with her books featured in the Indianapolis Airport Sensory Rooms in honor of individuals living with autism. She has also created numerous journals and self-help workbooks, providing families and individuals with tools for empowerment and self-expression.

In 2024, she expanded her mission by launching KI Productions’ Neurodivergent Collection, a platform committed to amplifying the voices of neurodivergent individuals and families. This collection provides resources, personal testimonies, and lived experiences to drive education, awareness, and meaningful change toward a more inclusive world.

Beyond her writing, Marya is a tireless advocate for families navigating disability. She facilitates Caregiver Connection through the Autism Society of Indiana and serves as the Program Coordinator for Ausome Indy’s Moms Mentoring Moms program, creating vital support networks for parents. She also serves as a Board Member for The Arc Indiana, a Board Member & Inclusion Chair for the Parks Foundation of Noblesville, and an active member of the Women in Noblesville Committee.

Recognizing the urgent need for safer play spaces, Marya developed Safe Parks Plus, an initiative advocating for fenced-in parks to protect children who elope. Her work continues to shape policies, create supportive communities, and empower families through knowledge, connection, and advocacy.