The month of April is of significance to the autism community as national attention is given to raising autism awareness and cultivating acceptance.  AutismUp is the leading local autism support organization offering programs and special events to support 2,000 members throughout the month.

Opportunities include social skill, supported fitness and recreation, readiness skills, and sensory regulation classes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder at the only multi-sensory learning environment in the area.  Our multi-sensory learning environment is 3,000 square feet that incorporates sensory based activities, movement, state-of-the-art equipment and professional support coaches.  Parent and caregiver workshops and professional training are also available, as well as the launch of our newest offerings —  “Stay & Play” open gym sessions and special needs birthday parties.

Part of improving quality of life, means providing opportunities to individuals with autism to realize activities that typically developing children have, like learning to ride a bicycle at our weeklong bike camp or attending our summer camp at our Social Skills Camp at the YMCA.  Can you imagine being the parent of a child or teen with autism who has never celebrated a birthday with a special party because of the challenges of autism?  AutismUp recognizes that families with autism need a safe, well-supported, specialized, sensory-friendly environment to celebrate special occasions for special kids and teens.  Beginning in April, the community can now access our one-of-a-kind facility for private, meaningful, sensory-friendly birthday celebrations.  Reservations are now being accepted at www.autismup.org.

Awareness month will culminate with AutismUp’s 11th Annual Hope Lights the Night Gala hosted by Honorary Chair, Ferdinand Smith, and presented by Calvary Robotics, on Saturday, April 29 at The Rochester Riverside Convention Center.  All proceeds support the continued expansion and enhancement of local programs and services for individuals and families living with autism.

Detailed information and registration for spring programs and April events are available at www.autismup.org, or by calling AutismUp at (585) 248-9011. To become a member or make a donation to AutismUp in honor of Autism Awareness Month and the Hope Lights the Night Gala, visit www.autismup.org.  We are proud to announce the launch of our new website along with many new programs and services in early April 2017.