Montgomery County promotes autism acceptance month with notable proclamations and new ID law

Montgomery County, MD, kicked off Autism Acceptance Month with a powerful proclamation led by Council Vice President Will Jawando and County Executive Mark Elrich, emphasizing the importance of embracing and celebrating neurodiversity. The event, held on April 8, 2025, gathered community members, advocates, and families to highlight the need for acceptance over mere awareness.

Jawando, a proud father of an autistic daughter, shared a heartfelt message about the significance of creating supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. He stressed that acceptance means providing the necessary systems for autistic individuals to thrive, especially in light of recent challenges faced by the disability community nationwide. “We don’t just acknowledge differences; we celebrate them,” he declared, underscoring the county's commitment to fostering an inclusive community.

County Executive Elrich echoed this sentiment, noting a 15% increase in autism diagnoses among Montgomery County Public Schools students from 2022 to 2023. He highlighted the critical need for adequate support and services as the demand continues to rise. “Acceptance is creating a world where everyone who has autism is connected to the support they need,” he stated.

The meeting also celebrated a significant legislative victory: the passage of Eric's ID Law, which aims to help individuals with invisible disabilities communicate their needs during encounters with law enforcement. Eric Grantham, a 20-year-old with autism, and his mother, Linda Carpenter Grantham, shared their journey in advocating for this law, which received overwhelming support from Maryland lawmakers.

The proclamation concluded with a call to action for the community to continue advocating for acceptance and support for autistic individuals and their families. As Montgomery County embraces Autism Acceptance Month, the message is clear: it’s time to move beyond awareness and foster a culture of understanding and inclusion.