Originally published in The Oklahoman, April 12, 2026
By Sarah Varillas, BCBA
April marks Autism Acceptance Month to celebrate and honor the unique experiences and identities of individuals with autism.
The month has evolved from its historic roots of promoting awareness of the neurobiological condition to encouraging acceptance in order to more fully embrace individuals with autism as fully participating members of our communities.
This transition in focus and language underscores that children, teens, and adults with autism deserve not just to be acknowledged, but to be included and empowered as individuals.
Approximately 1 in 31 children has a diagnosis of autism, and how that diagnosis manifests for an individual child is as unique as eye color, height, and sense of humor.
Each child with autism is an individual, just as each neurotypical child is an individual. Each has their own interests, hobbies, strengths, personalities, fears, needs, and family dynamics. That means that helping each child with autism thrive means first and foremost, understanding the child’s and family’s goals, needs, and preferences. A one-size-fits-all plan is not feasible, or desirable.
For some families, school readiness is the goal. The goal may be for their child to attend full-day kindergarten, or it might be half-time attendance in combination with autism therapy and support. For other families, the goal is to enable communication verbally or with an alternative communication (AAC) system, such as sign language or a picture exchange communication system. For still others, the goal is to reduce challenging behaviors like elopement or self-injury and promote independence in self-care activities. And, for others, the goal might be more connected sibling relationships.
With evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provided by highly skilled, compassionate registered behavior technicians and board-certified behavior analysts, children with autism can achieve these goals…and many others. The sky is the limit.
The key is to listen to families, be responsive to the individual child, respect personal preference and cultural values, and encourage and support, never force, a child’s growth and development.
The individual achievements and wins that we see every day in each child with autism we work with in ABA are as unique as they are. A first “hi.” A first day of school. A first expression of their feelings. A first friend. The possibilities are endless. ABA therapy is a valuable and proven tool for helping to unlock these possibilities – however they look for each child.
The celebration of Autism Acceptance Month is a celebration of individuality and the power of inclusion. Because, fundamentally, every child with autism and their family deserves to feel supported, understood, and valued. For their unique perspectives, experiences, and needs.
Sarah Varillas, MS, BCBA is the chief clinical officer for Inner Circle Autism Network, a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska, and North Carolina.