Teal gradient background with white text reading Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month April 2025 with photo of children walking next to each other.

The importance of Autism Acceptance Month


As pediatric providers and prescribers, you are the first line of defense in health care for children, which includes mental and behavioral health. By becoming knowledgeable on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of behavioral health disorders such as autism, you can be better equipped to provide resources and support to your patients and ensure they receive the comprehensive care they need.


Learn more about the importance of Autism Acceptance Month from MC3 child & adolescent psychiatrists below.

"As providers caring for young children who may be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you are the eyes and ears that are essential during the child’s first years of life. You may see the first signs, hear the parents’ concerns, or review a concerning screening instrument for children in your practice. Supporting the parents with a “don’t worry, but don’t wait” attitude to pursue additional testing may help them to take the next step."


Dr. Sheila Marcus

MC3 Pediatric Medical Director

"Early detection and intervention are critical to helping youth with autism thrive. It is important for providers and staff who care for youth to be aware of signs associated with autism spectrum disorder. By being aware, we are able to facilitate referral for greater diagnostic assessment, the application of evidence-based psychotherapeutic, behavioral, environmental, family interventions, and the thoughtful use of medications when needed. In this way, we can instill a safe, therapeutic, and customized evaluation and treatment plan that recognizes the developmental needs of youth with autism."


Dr. Nasuh Malas

MC3 Consulting Psychiatrist

MC3 autism-focused resources for providers

ASD & Neurodevelopmental Disorders section of the MC3 Pediatric Resource Library.

MC3 Pediatric Resource Library section on Autism Spectrum Disorder & Neurodevelopmental Disorder

View resources
Title slide for MC3 recorded module Autism Evaluation in the State of Michigan: Getting the Right Kids to the Right Place at the Right Time.

Autism Evaluation in the State of Michigan: Getting the Right Kids to the Right Place at the Right Time (35 minutes)

Watch video
Title slide for MC3 recorded module Autism and Common Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions.

Autism and Common Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions (19 minutes)

Watch video
Title slide for MC3 recorded module Advocating for Parents, Advocating for Children: Supporting Families in Navigating Autism Diagnosis and Treatment.

Advocating for Parents, Advocating for Children: Supporting Families in Navigating Autism Diagnosis and Treatment (21 minutes)

Watch video
Title slide for MC3 recorded module Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Tools for Primary Care Providers.

Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Tools for Primary Care Providers (23 minutes)

Watch video

TEAM Autism Toolkit

TEAM Autism Toolkit web page with links to video library and resource guides.

Experts at Teaching and Education for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Management (TEAM) have assembled an online toolkit to train providers to better support their autistic and developmentally disabled patients throughout all stages of life. View TEAM's toolkit of videos and resources below.

View toolkit

MC3 is part of the Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry and is funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) via general funds, Medicaid Administration funds, and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds.

Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry logo