Mayor Tucker proclaims April 2025 Autism Acceptance Month in Imperial

In the heart of Imperial City, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the City Council convened for its regular meeting on April 2, 2025. The evening took a poignant turn as Mayor James Tucker proclaimed April as Autism Acceptance Month, a significant gesture aimed at fostering understanding and inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The proclamation highlighted the importance of recognizing autism as a neurological disorder that transcends race, ethnicity, gender, and economic background. Mayor Tucker emphasized that this month serves as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and address the barriers faced by those with autism. “Embracing inclusion and acceptance fosters stronger, more compassionate communities,” he stated, underscoring the value of every individual’s unique perspective and talent.

Following the proclamation, James from Autism Support of Carroll County took the floor, accompanied by his son Santiago. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, particularly on World Autism Awareness Day. James shared exciting news about their newly constructed mobile unit designed for diagnosing autism, affectionately named George and Audrey after the organization’s founders. This unit is set to make its debut at local market days, providing essential services to the community.

The council meeting also served as a platform to announce the upcoming fourth annual Autism Parent 5K event, which promises fun activities, including an Easter egg hunt and a dunk tank featuring local first responders. James highlighted the community's enthusiasm and support, stating, “The City of Imperial took charge in setting this all up, and allowing this all to happen is just awesome.”

Joab, another representative from the organization, shared that autism now accounts for over 50% of diagnoses among their clients in Imperial County, reflecting a growing trend across California. He stressed the need for greater societal awareness and education to support families in public spaces, reinforcing the message that understanding autism is a collective responsibility.

As the meeting concluded, the council members gathered to present the proclamation, marking a significant step towards greater awareness and acceptance of autism in the community. The evening left attendees with a sense of hope and determination to build a more inclusive future for all.