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Brawley proclaims April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month; advocates outline services
Summary
The city council adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2 as World Autism Acceptance Day; local advocates described outreach, diagnosis and mobile-unit efforts and thanked officials for support.
The Brawley City Council unanimously proclaimed April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2 as World Autism Acceptance Day at its April 1 meeting, and local advocates used the occasion to recap countywide and local services for people on the autism spectrum.
Mayor (reading the proclamation) and council members said the observance recognizes rising diagnosis rates and the need for greater awareness, acceptance and support for individuals with autism and their families. Gloria Bambilla, a parent advocate who organized the county proclamation effort beginning in 2017, described outreach that brings regional resources to families, connects them with early-intervention providers and coordinates city and county proclamations.
Representatives from the San Diego Regional Center’s Imperial County office thanked the council for the recognition. James Gonzalez (video remarks), representing Doctors of Support/County autism support efforts, said a mobile diagnostic unit and ADOS training for 20 local professionals will help shorten diagnosis wait times that can reach months; the mobile unit intends to bring services into local communities and reduce appointment backlogs.
Local nonprofits and public-safety officials described recent and planned activities — an autism walk and fair, equine therapy exposure events, and ongoing professional training for officers — and emphasized early intervention and family supports. Council members and staff thanked advocates and pledged continued partnership.
