Hey there, family!
There is something absolutely magical about the way a child sees the world. For our kids on the spectrum, that perspective is often so vibrant, so detailed, and so unique that words sometimes fail to capture it. That’s exactly why we are so incredibly excited to announce our upcoming event: Voices of the Spectrum.
On April 11, 2026, from 12 PM to 4 PM, we are taking over the Pan African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) in Springfield, MA. This isn’t just an art show; it’s a celebration of identity, a push for representation, and a giant hug to every family navigating the beautiful, complex world of autism. Whether your child is a seasoned painter or just loves to get their hands messy with glitter and glue, this day is for them.
For many of us in the autism community, the conversation often stays stuck on "services" and "interventions." But what about joy? What about self-expression? At We Are Autism, we believe that every child has a voice, even if they don't use spoken language to share it. Art is a universal language. It’s a way for our kids to show us what’s going on in those brilliant minds of theirs without the pressure of "performing" or meeting a specific developmental milestone.
We also know that the reality for many of our families is that access to things like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) can be limited, or perhaps you’ve finished your time with those services and are wondering, “What now?” We want to fill that gap. Life doesn’t stop when the therapy hours end. We need spaces where our kids can just be, where they are celebrated for their neurodiversity rather than asked to mask it.
If you know me, you know that diversity isn't just a buzzword for us, it’s our heartbeat. Autism doesn't discriminate, but unfortunately, access to resources and representation often does. For too long, the face of autism in media and medical journals has been overwhelmingly white. We are here to change that narrative.
Hosting our showcase at PAHMUSA is a very intentional choice. We want to highlight the global diversity of the spectrum, specifically focusing on non-white representation and our deep roots in the Jamaican community. We want every child who walks through those museum doors to see themselves reflected in the art on the walls and the people in the room.
When we talk about "Building Bridges," we aren't just talking about connecting kids to services; we’re talking about connecting cultures, histories, and families. If you haven't had a chance yet, I highly recommend checking out our Building Bridges educational videos. They are designed to provide practical, real-world support for families who might be doing this on their own without a team of specialists in their back pocket.
We are transforming the museum into a sensory-friendly sanctuary of creativity. Here’s what’s going down:
We can’t do this alone! "We Are Autism" means all of us. Here is how you can help make Voices of the Spectrum a success:
1. Sign Up Your Star Artist
Do you have a kiddo between 3 and 18 who loves to create? We want their work! It doesn’t have to be "perfect", it just has to be theirs. You can find the sign-up link on our Linktree. Let’s show the world what they can do!
2. Donate via GiveButter
As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of our community to keep these events free or low-cost for families. Every dollar goes directly toward venue costs, art supplies, and supporting our mission to provide resources to those without access to traditional services. You can find our donation link on our Linktree as well.
3. Sensory Item Donations
We are looking for donations of sensory items, think fidget spinners, weighted lap pads, noise-canceling headphones, and tactile toys. We want to ensure that every child feels comfortable and supported during the event. If you have items to contribute, please reach out via our contact page.
While we are counting down the days until April 11th, we know that the "autism life" is 24/7. If you’re feeling a bit lost today, please know you aren’t alone. Our website is packed with resources designed for the "everyday" advocate.
If you’re looking for ways to explain neurodiversity to friends or family, our I Love Someone on the Spectrum page is a great place to start. And if you need more structured advice, our Webinars cover everything from advocacy to navigating the school system.
We also have some amazing gear in our shop, like the Advocate Protect Design tumbler, which is perfect for those long days of IEP meetings or park trips!
I see you. I see the late nights, the constant advocating, and the fierce love you have for your children. I know that sometimes it feels like the world wasn't built for our kids, but events like Voices of the Spectrum prove that we can build our own world. A world where a "meltdown" is met with a helping hand instead of a stare. A world where a non-verbal child’s painting is seen as the masterpiece it truly is.
We are building a bridge from where we are to where we want to be. And we’re doing it one brushstroke at a time.
When: April 11, 2026 | 12 PM - 4 PM
Where: PAHMUSA (Pan African Historical Museum USA), Springfield, MA
Who: Kids on the spectrum (ages 3-18), their families, and our amazing supporters!
Action Items: Sign up, Donate, or Learn More Here!
Let’s make this event one for the history books. We can’t wait to see the incredible talent our community has to offer. See you at the museum!
With love and advocacy,
Charlene & The We Are Autism Team
Want to stay updated on all things We Are Autism? Check out our blog for more stories and updates, or join one of our support groups to connect with the community.
Charlene Pinnock is the founder of We Are Autism, a support platform dedicated to helping parents and caregivers navigate the autism journey with compassion, practical guidance, and community support.
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