April marked World Autism Awareness Month—a time dedicated to fostering deeper understanding, promoting inclusion, and inspiring collective action toward meaningful and lasting change.

At Hope Services, we are proud to be a leading advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities across the Bay Area. We recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions that individuals with autism bring to our communities. We also reaffirm the importance of science-based understanding and respectful acknowledgment of the diverse experiences within the autism community.

We are deeply concerned by recent public rhetoric that spreads misinformation about autism and by policy proposals threatening to cut essential programs such as Medicaid, education, and community services. These supports are critical to ensuring that Californians with autism can lead fulfilling and empowered lives.

We urge elected officials, members of the media, and the broader public to stand in solidarity with the autism community—not only in April, but every day—by:

• Recognizing and honoring the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with autism
• Supporting evidence-based research, inclusive educational practices, and equitable access to services
• Upholding scientific integrity and actively countering misinformation and harmful narratives

Light It Up Blue! Participants from our Gilroy Day Program proudly wore blue in a powerful show of unity and support during Autism Awareness Month.

Click here to take action. Tell your Senators and Representative: Reject Medicaid cuts and protect services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).