Autism awareness month over? Now What?

A Lesson from the Tulip Fields

Seeing the beautiful tulip fields had always been on my bucket list. A couple of years ago, at the end of April — when the tulips are in full bloom — my husband took me to the Netherlands to make that dream come true.

I had never imagined the breathtaking colors and the hundreds of different varieties. At the tulip farm we visited; we were given simple instructions: walk only in designated areas to avoid stepping on the flowers. But they also had an unusual request — “If you see any tulips that don’t look like the others in their row, please let us know.”

Curious, I asked why.
Their answer stayed with me:
"If a tulip doesn’t perfectly match its variety, we can’t use it. It’s considered imperfect."

Does that sound a little familiar?

As we wandered through the vibrant fields, taking photo after photo, I noticed a tulip that stood out. It was different from the others — and yet, it was stunning. I paused, admired its unique beauty... and then, according to the farm’s request, I had to report it. That little tulip, beautiful as it was, didn’t meet the standard and wouldn’t be sent around the world with the others.

April’s blooms faded, but the tulip bulbs were shipped across the globe, spreading beauty everywhere. Yet the one that was "different" stayed behind.

This experience reminds me why The Autism Passport Newsletter exists. Awareness isn’t just for April — it’s something we should carry with us all year long

We want the world to see that individuals with autism — whether they have high support needs or lower support needs— are beautiful in their own way. They may not always fit the "standard," but their unique differences make the world richer.

Let’s keep Autism Awareness alive — not just in April, but every single day, in every corner of the world. Together, we can create a world that sees, values, and celebrates every individual.

The Netherlands — Sensory Friendly? Plus Tulip Festivals You Can Visit!

If your family enjoys flowers and open spaces, gardens and flower farms can be wonderful low-sensory outings. During tulip season, these places are full of color, beauty, and peace — and you don’t have to travel overseas to enjoy them!

If a trip isn’t possible this year, no worries — start planning ahead for 2026. And if traveling isn’t an option at all, many tulip farms and festivals share breathtaking photos online so you can enjoy the blooms from home.

Here are some Tulip Festivals across the U.S. happening in 2025, along with links for more details. Some festivals include tours, flower shows, and family-friendly events:

🌷 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival – Washington
April 1–30, 2025
Visit Website

🌷 Holland, Michigan Tulip Time Festival
May 2–11, 2025
Visit Website

🌷 Albany, New York Tulip Festival
April 30–May 10, 2025
Visit Website

🌷 Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival – Lehi, Utah
April 9–May 17, 2025
Visit Website

Thinking About the Netherlands?

If you ever dream of visiting the Netherlands for tulip season, here’s a sensory tip: stay outside major cities like Amsterdam! Small towns and countryside areas are much less crowded, and often much more relaxing for a sensory-friendly experience.

Two places we loved visiting:

🌷 Fam Flower Farm
A beautiful, family-owned tulip farm that only allows a small number of visitors at a time — giving you plenty of space to enjoy and take pictures at your own pace. It’s peaceful, welcoming, and at the end, you can even take home a fresh bouquet! Plan about 60–90 minutes for your visit.
Visit Website

🌷 Keukenhof Gardens
If you want a more manicured garden experience, Keukenhof is spectacular! While it was a bit more crowded than I expected, there are still plenty of quiet pathways to explore. You’ll see hundreds of tulip varieties, plus gardens, fountains, and even boat rides. You can easily spend a full day here.
Visit Website

No matter where you are, tulip season is a beautiful reminder to slow down, look closely, and enjoy the unique beauty around us. 🌷

Lora Says

Recently a friend shared a post from Lora’s Facebook page. Lora is a beautiful young lady who has autism and apraxia. Lora is a non-speaker but her goal in life is to be the voice and advocate for non-speakers all over the world and to spread LOVE. You can follow her on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573398328777

AUTISM 101

Why is Autism called a "Spectrum"?

If you wonder why the word "spectrum" is tied to autism. Autism isn't just one thing — it's a wide range of experiences, strengths, and challenges that can look very different from person to person.

Here’s a simple chart that explains the different support levels (1-2-3). But as many of us know, these can often overlap — and on some days, when life feels overwhelming for both the individual and the caregiver, it can feel more like a Level 100!

Awareness is the key.
The Autism Passport is here to bring understanding, encouragement, and community to this journey. 🧩💙

Stereotype or Not, the Message Matters

One of my favorite shows is The Chosen. There are so many tender moments where I see glimpses of our own lives — especially through the portrayal of Matthew. The producers chose to represent Matthew as an individual on the autism spectrum.

I'm not here to critique, approve, or judge that choice. What I focus on — and love — is the beauty in how Matthew’s wonder about the world is portrayed with a childlike openness. He questions, and yet, he believes.

I do want to emphasize that individuals with autism may experience and express faith differently. Some spiritual concepts can feel abstract, and it may take extra time, patience, or simpler explanations to help them understand.

Yet, I have been blessed to meet non-speaking young adults whose faith shines brighter than the sun! In their silent worlds, they feel God’s presence deeply. They believe. They trust. They pray. They connect with God in ways that are pure and powerful.

Mothers have shared with me beautiful moments when their children have conversations with God — moments full of love, hope, and faith.

Faith is a beautiful thing. It lives beyond words, beyond traditional understanding.

No matter your faith or religion, I would love to hear from you:
How do you help your loved one with autism come closer to God, or your Higher Power?

Please share your experiences with us — your stories could inspire and encourage others on this journey.