^{Welcome! Bienvenidos! ようこそ}

Welcome to the first issue of The Autism Passport—your guide to uplifting stories, practical travel tips, and empowering tools to help your family navigate life’s unique journey. We would love your input and ideas.

Feature Story

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

^{Are you a parent, family member, friend, neighbor, or teacher who loves someone with Autism? If so, you're not alone—and I’m so glad you’re here. I'm a parent too, and I care deeply about the incredible individuals in my life who are on the spectrum.}

^{One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. Stephen Shore: “When you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism.” This simple truth invites us to embrace each individual’s unique journey—their needs, their strengths, their gifts.}

^{Autism isn’t something we recognize just one day or one month out of the year. It’s part of everyday life. It calls for our continued awareness, compassion, and support—24/7.}

^{So I invite you to reflect:}

• Who in your life can you understand more deeply, support more intentionally, and love more fully?

• How can you be a voice for awareness—not just today, but every day?

• Together, through small acts of kindness and meaningful connection, we can create a world that sees, values, and celebrates every person on the spectrum.

^{Here is an article which was updated recently with interesting statistics.}

Featured Video

Who is in your team? who can help when you need it?

Over lunch the other day, a friend leaned in and said, “Did you see that episode of Survivor? You’d really appreciate what happened. I just hope that when the time comes, someone will be there for my child like that.”

Another friend that was there that day sent me the clip—and I saw what had moved them so deeply. It was a moment of pure humanity… someone showing up, standing beside another person in a moment of need.

We all long for that kind of support—someone we can count on, someone who keeps us steady when life feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: sometimes, the first step is being willing to ask for help.

Asking doesn’t make us weak. It opens the door to connection. It invites others in. And it reminds us that we were never meant to do life with Autism alone.

Here’s a couple of links for the same episode. Grab tissue and enjoy!

Special Guest Spotlight

Meet Ashton Curtis- A Powerful Easter Message

Ashton Curtis is a remarkable young man with non-speaking ASD. He grew up “non-verbal” but a year ago his world change as he learned to communicate via spelling boards. He now advocates for his “silent friends” and wants everyone to know that non-verbal people have the potential to communicate, they are smart and understand more than we know. Ashton is serving a mission for his church.

His mom shared: Ashton was asked to share 'what Easter means to him'. Here's what he spelled out! And while you're reading, ask yourself... what's your stone?

Ashton: "Easter is God’s way of offering his children rebirth, a way to start anew. I was given this amazing gift to start anew this past year. I could not communicate until May of last year. Since then I got baptized, and was called as a service missionary in the Arizona Tucson Mission.

God’s plan for each of you may seem buried in a dark tomb but I am here to tell you He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross so that the dark tomb could be opened and the light let in.

When you allow his light to shine in your life, miracles will appear. I sat in the dark silent room of my mind but I never lost faith in His loving plan for me. Easter not only reminds us of His risen Son but the suffering and faith Jesus had to endure to reach his father in heaven.

My life would be incredibly different if I just sat alone in that dark tomb. My faith rolled back that large stone and flooded my heart with the light. I now get to bring God‘s shining word to others.

I want you to take this Easter to find your stone, and ask our Lord to help you roll it away. Let him transform your life so that you, too, can meet him in eternity and bask in his loving light. - Elder Curtis

Travel Tips

TSA Assistance

Did you know?
If you’re flying within the next 72 hours, you may be eligible to request assistance through TSA Cares—a free service designed to support travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs.

While this service is specific to the security screening process at participating airports, even a small amount of extra care and support can make the start of your journey a little smoother—and a lot less stressful.

For families traveling with a loved one on the autism spectrum, these thoughtful accommodations can make a meaningful difference.

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