Press Release November 15th 2021

November 15, 2021. For immediate release. Tucson – Arizona. — The Autism Society has launched a new brand developed with the Autism community in an inclusive process that ensures accessibility standards for those seeking connection to resources, support, and community.

Over the course of a year, 150 individuals in the Autism community participated in the brand development. This includes Autistic self-advocates across the spectrum, parents, siblings and caregivers to those with Autism at all life stages, professionals and researchers in the field, and many leaders across the Autism Society’s affiliate network. This significant number of participants helped shape the new brand from early research to final delivery of the look, feel, tone, and accessibility standards.

The work resulted in an inclusive color system, “threads” that visually tie in our story of connection with line fluidity that helps create a calm, visual stimulation. In addition, the portrait photography authentically captures people within the Autism community, amplifying true representation in the brand’s visual components. The new logo weaves the colors and threads to create a visual that represents individuality and unique experiences that are simultaneously interconnected and woven into the greater Autism community.

“We got involved in the brand process because our three sons all have Autism, and our local affiliate, the Autism Society of Central Virginia, has been an incredible resource for our family,” said Kate and Gary Fletcher of Richmond, Virginia.

The Autism Society is proud and excited to advance our mission to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Our vision is to create a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. We do this while embodying our values of Dignity, Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Integrity.

The Autism Society has relied on the same brand for over 20 years. We are grateful for the brand that served our community so well for so long. More than that, we are grateful to you for being a connection that serves our whole community. Now, it is time to embrace the future of inclusivity, acceptance, and connection for the Autism community. That future is you, because the Connection is You™.

In addition to the new brand launch and in line with the spirit of celebrating inclusivity, the Autism Society of Southern Arizona (ASSA) is launching an All in for Autism campaign highlighting community leaders, businesses, employers, programs, and families that are paving the way for autism acceptance. The City of Tucson Mayor, Regina Romero was the first to participate in the video. The acceptance video will be featured in a digital media campaign at a drive-in movie event on World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, 2022.

“Our All in for Autism campaign is a movement to celebrate how the community is doing the work to support individuals with autism. It can also be an example of a step one can make to begin the process. If you are a business owner, think about how hiring an autistic adult can advance the diversity of your organization. If you see a child struggling to communicate, lend a hand to that parent, and create a heart of compassion. Be a friend, a kind neighbor, and see the ways you can open the door to autism acceptance right where you are.” Brie Seward, Executive Director of ASSA.

To set-up an interview, or to obtain photos or video from prior events, please contact Brie Seward at (520) 770-1541or [email protected].

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. ASSA envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan

for more information, go to www.as-az.org, Facebook and Instagram