Shining a spotlight on autism awareness

It was great to see autism acceptance front and center in the April 18 issue of the Kids Gazette section- thank you!

I think it is important for your readers to know that there is a local, grassroots, all-volunteer organization that is all about autism acceptance, understanding, and celebration — the Iowa City Autism Community. We host a very active Facebook community with more than 1,000 members (from all over Eastern Iowa), including parents, grandparents, guardians, autistic adults, educators, and other community professionals. We host high-quality workshops throughout the year. We partner with local businesses and organizations to create autism-accessible events throughout the year for autistic people and their loved ones. We maintain a website (autismiowacity.org) with autism-related resources. Finally, we engage in advocacy, especially in the area of education, discipline, seclusion/restraint and more.

Autistic people and anyone who loves or supports them are welcome to join us.

Dina Bishara

Jessie Witherell

Heidi Pierce

Iowa City Autism Community