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IACC Strategic Plan 2026-2028
Grateful for more much-needed awareness on this critical issue after another heartbreaking week in our autism community.
As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday, National Autism Coordinator Diana Diaz-Harrison and I have an important message for the autism community: stay vigilant around water.
Many autistic individuals are naturally drawn to water, and drowning remains a leading cause of death following wandering incidents. Families should be able to celebrate, make memories, and enjoy the holiday safely. By planning ahead and staying alert, we can prevent tragedies and protect our loved ones.
Before the holiday:
• Call 911 immediately if someone is missing.
• Search nearby water first. When someone with autism goes missing minutes can be critical.
• Create a supervision schedule, so there is always a responsible adult actively watching an at risk person.
This week, we are holding in our hearts the families of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi and 6-year-old Ramon “RJ” Jett — two autistic children whose lives were lost after wandering and being found in water.
Hannah’s family once wondered if she would ever speak. Today, she is in kindergarten and continues to reach new milestones with hard work, patience, and so much determination.
Her story is a beautiful reminder that progress looks different for every child. 💙 #milestonemonday
SUBMIT YOUR FAMILY'S MILESTONES IN THE COMMENTS OR AT NATIONALAUTISM.ORG
What a joyful milestone. 💙
Kathryn M. shared that her son was nonspeaking until recently, and with the support of consistent speech-language therapy and ABA, he has completely blossomed.
Now his family gets to hear all about his very favorite special interest: toilets. 🚽✨
Kathryn says, “I’ve never felt this level of joy before, and somehow it’s still not as much joy as his toilet love.”
A special shoutout to Kohler, who saw his video and invited him to Wisconsin to visit their headquarters and design center. He is over the moon.
Thank you, Kohler, for seeing his joy and celebrating it in such a meaningful way.
Milestones come in all forms—and sometimes, they come with a flush. 💙
#MilestoneMonday #AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #Nonspeaking #Communication #SpecialInterests #AutismFamilies #Kohler #NAA
Trouble following through with actions? It may not be what you think.
Whole body apraxia can affect every voluntary movement—impacting how a person plans and carries out actions in daily life. Understanding the difference matters.
When most people search “apraxia,” they find childhood apraxia of speech—a diagnosis related specifically to speech and motor planning in the mouth. But for some individuals, the challenge goes beyond speech.
Beyond Behavior with Dr. Dana Johnson
Watch the whole webinar on nationalautism.org









