Autism Acceptance Month: Family, Community, and Lasting Memories
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time that emphasizes the importance of family. This is my personal story.
At the Housing Authority of Travis County, we are committed to helping families create lasting memories by providing stable living conditions. We do this by offering affordable housing options and rental assistance to reduce the threat of housing insecurity.
I want to share a personal family story. On August 8, 2007, I welcomed my second son, Joshua Ross, into the world—it was a day filled with hope and promise. Like many parents, I envisioned the profound impact my son would have on society and the pride I would feel as a father witnessing his accomplishments. However, my perspective shifted slightly when I learned that Joshua had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 1 in 31 children (about 3.2%) in the United States by the age of eight, resulting in lifelong differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Initially, I questioned whether Joshua could achieve aspirations such as becoming President, and I contemplated the perceived unfairness of life.
Fast forward a decade and a half, and the Housing Authority of Travis County is once again partnering with the Austin Runners Club to host the Decker Challenge Half Marathon and 5K Walk/Run in December 2025. As I navigated the challenging 3.1-mile route around the Travis County Expo Center, my now 18-year-old son, Joshua, accompanied me. He effortlessly leaves me behind, prompting me to reflect on how difficult it is for me to keep up with him. At that moment, I couldn't be prouder of him as a father.
Please save the date: December 13, 2026. The Housing Authority of Travis County will again collaborate with the Austin Runners Club to host this year's event. The occasion will conclude with a family brunch at the Banquet Hall of the Expo Center for all participating families. As I have already experienced, Housing Authority families will have the opportunity to create lasting memories while helping to raise funds for resident-centered programs of the Housing Authority of Travis County Foundation.
Key Advocacy and Support Organizations
- Autism Society of Texas (Central Texas Chapter): Based in Austin, this group offers statewide advocacy, support groups for parents and individuals on the spectrum, online and face-to-face meetups, and free information and referrals. (texasautismsociety.org)
- VELA Families: Located in Austin, VELA empowers parents of children with disabilities ages 0–18 through hands-on courses, support groups, case management, workshops, and English/Spanish services at no cost. (velafamilies.org)
- Imagine A Way: A Central Texas non-profit that provides ongoing financial support and a network of resources for families with children under age 7 with autism. (imagineaway.org)
- The Arc of the Capital Area: Offers case management, programs, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. (arcaustin.org)
- Easterseals of Central Texas: Focuses on Early Childhood Intervention, therapy and family support services, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families. (eslonestar.org)
Sincerely,
Patrick B. Howard
CEO and Executive Director
