The first time I heard the word autism, I was in high school. Someone told me it was caused by “cold moms” and vaccines — and that it could be prevented. I didn’t know much about autism back then, but I remember thinking, that doesn’t sound right.

Today, we know so much more — and that knowledge is powerful.

I work with autistic children and adults every day. I see the joy, the creativity, the insights, and the potential that exist in every person. I see families growing stronger. I see communities enriched by the unique ways autistic people engage with the world. And I see the impact of decades of research, advocacy, and determination to build a better future.

One of the biggest signs of progress is how many people are now being seen and understood. Today, 1 in 31 children are identified as autistic, not because autism is new, but because we’ve learned to recognize and support it earlier. This means more children get access to early intervention, more families find community, and more adults are able to build meaningful lives with the support they deserve.

Autism is not a tragedy. It’s a different way of thinking, feeling, and communicating. And like any community, it includes people with a wide range of needs and experiences.

At Autism Connections, we see people with autism doing incredible things every single day. We see kids playing sports and performing in theater. We see young adults starting their first jobs and building independence. We see families growing stronger as they learn more and find support. We see people who don’t speak but who communicate powerfully in other ways. We see people who need a lot of help — and people who offer a lot of help. All of them deserve to be seen, valued, and supported.

Our message is simple: we see you. We see your brilliance, your challenges, your growth. We see the full picture, and we’re here to support you. You belong. And you make the world better just by being in it.

Autism isn’t something to fear or fix. It’s something to understand and embrace. And the more we do that, the better our communities become.

Karen Serra is ServiceNet’s Vice President of Family Services, including Autism Connections.