April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, and many communities, including WBSD, emphasize acceptance and inclusion—celebrating neurodiversity and ensuring all children and families feel valued and supported.
Celebrating Every Child
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience and interact with the world in unique ways. In TOTE, our goal is not to change who a child is, but to support their development, honor their individuality, and build meaningful connections.
What Inclusion Looks Like in Early Childhood
Inclusion means all children:
Feel safe, welcomed, and respected
Have opportunities to participate in everyday routines and activities
Are supported in ways that match their strengths and needs
Build relationships with caregivers and peers
Inclusive environments benefit every child by fostering empathy, flexibility, and a sense of belonging
How TOTE Supports Families
Our Early On services are designed to partner with families by:
Embedding learning into daily routines like mealtime, play, and caregiving
Supporting communication in all forms (gestures, sounds, words, visuals)
Coaching caregivers to feel confident in supporting their child
Focusing on strengths-based strategies that build on what children already do well
Simple Ways to Promote Inclusion at Home
Follow your child’s interests and join in their play
Offer choices to support independence
Use visuals, gestures, or simple words to support understanding
Create predictable routines while allowing flexibility
Encourage interactions in ways that feel comfortable for your child
Partnering Together
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and included. If you have questions or would like ideas for supporting your child’s participation in everyday routines, your TOTE team is here to help.
