Autism Awareness Month

Each April, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta celebrates National Autism Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to better understand autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and discuss the effects ASD has on kids, families and communities. In 2023, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an ASD. Throughout the month of April, anyone affected by autism is invited to come together to share their experiences and learn more about autism.

Our Marcus Autism Center integrates research into clinical practice. And we know that research is the key to proper diagnosis, early intervention and groundbreaking discoveries for children with autism. Early detection of autism is the first step toward early intervention—and early intervention can make the difference between a life of limitations and one of potential

We’re making progress, but this is only the beginning. To have a positive impact on the lives of even more children and their families, we need your help.

It's easy to participate in this national month of autism support. All it takes is a few clicks and shares to inspire friends, family and other connections to contribute to help kids with autism. Below are just a few of the ways you can use your voice in support of Marcus Autism Center and help extend our reach.

Make a donation

As a not-for-profit organization, Marcus Autism Center relies on support from donors like you. Every gift, every dollar, makes a difference in the lives of kids with autism. Your gift allows us to conduct meaningful research that results in brighter futures for all kids with autism. Your gift matters to us, and it matters to them.

Give now

Promote on social media

Tell your friends and followers why they should donate to Marcus Autism Center in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. Below are some social media best practices and sample posts you can copy and paste.

Social media best practices:

• Posts with photos get more attention, so consider adding a picture of a kid who inspires you to give to Marcus Autism Center.
• Don’t forget to include that it is National Autism Awareness Month in all of your posts.
• For maximum impact, share your personal story about your family’s positive experiences at Marcus Autism Center or why you choose to give. Encourage others to do the same. 
• Tag Marcus Autism Center on Facebook (@MarcusAutismCenter) and Twitter (@MarcusAutism). 
• Remember to include a link where people can donate to Marcus Autism Center in your post. 

Social media sample posts:

• Facebook
  • All kids should have access to early diagnosis and treatment for autism. That’s why I’m supporting Marcus Autism Center during National Autism Awareness Month. Give where it matters most. Donate today.
  • Together, we can help lead the way in transforming the future of autism. Join me in supporting Marcus Autism Center during National Autism Awareness Month. Give where it matters most. Donate today.
  • I just kicked off National Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Won’t you? Make a difference in the lives of kids with autism. Donate today.  
• Twitter

• In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, join me and make a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Help fund meaningful research and breakthrough discoveries for kids with autism. @MarcusAutism
• I just kicked off National Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. Join me! Revolutionize the way the world sees autism. Donate today. @MarcusAutism
• Support National Autism Awareness Month with a donation to Marcus Autism Center. I did! @MarcusAutism
• Make Marcus Autism Center your National Autism Awareness Month donation destination. Give today. @MarcusAutism

Host a Facebook fundraiser

Facebook has a tool that makes it easy for you to host your own online fundraiser. National Autism Awareness Month is a great time to use this resource to raise awareness for Marcus Autism Center, share your story and reach a fundraising goal. Consider matching gifts to make your friends’ donations go twice as far. Every single dollar raised goes directly to Marcus Autism Center to support our goal of maximizing the potential of children with autism today and transforming the future of autism through research.

Not sure how high to set your fundraising goal? Consider this: Your gift can help us purchase much-needed items, like food for our facility dog, Flip, or art supplies and toys for clinical sessions and research. Any amount makes a difference. 

Kick off your fundraiser today

Send an email

Reach out to family and friends to inspire them to give to Marcus Autism Center during National Autism Awareness Month this April. Here is a email template you can customize and share: 

Dear family and friends,

Mark your calendar! April is National Autism Awareness Month, and I’m inviting you to join me in supporting Marcus Autism Center. Why? Because when you donate to the center, you’re giving where it matters most. You’re helping to transform the lives of countless kids with autism. 

[Insert how autism or Marcus Autism Center has made an impact in your life or in the life of someone you care about.]

Marcus Autism Center is a not-for-profit organization, so donor funds are critical to making sure they can continue to conduct meaningful research that leads to breakthrough discoveries. That’s why I’m asking you to make Marcus Autism Center your National Autism Awareness Month charity of choice. 

Visit www.marcus.org/give to show your support. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!