Every April, the world comes together to shine a spotlight on autism—a complex, beautiful, and often misunderstood spectrum of experiences. At the heart of this global movement is World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, a day sanctioned by the United Nations to celebrate the rights, strengths, and potential of autistic individuals. Throughout Autism Awareness Month, we extend this focus, fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for the 1 in 36 children and 5.4 million adults in the U.S. living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This year, as we mark these occasions in 2025, our small local nonprofit is proud to lead the charge in Pennsylvania with a first-of-its-kind vision: the Perkasie Project, a Neuro-Inclusive Cohousing Community Development designed to empower autistic adults and transform how we think about community living.
Autism Awareness Month traces its origins to 1972, when the Autism Society launched National Autistic Children’s Week. Over decades, it evolved into a month-long celebration, officially bolstered in 2007 when the UN declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Today, it’s a time to educate, advocate, and—most importantly—celebrate differences. The blue “Forget-me-not” flower has become a symbol of this movement, reminding us not to overlook the unique contributions of autistic individuals. For our team at Front Porch Cohousing, April is more than a moment of reflection—it’s a call to action.
This year’s global theme, “Moving from Surviving to Thriving,” resonates deeply with our mission. Too often, autistic individuals face barriers to independence—limited housing options, employment challenges, and social isolation. We believe thriving starts with a home, a community, and a sense of belonging. That’s where the Perkasie Project comes in.
Imagine a place where autistic adults can live independently yet interdependently—where neurodiversity isn’t just accommodated but celebrated. That’s the heart of the Perkasie Project, Pennsylvania’s first neuro-inclusive cohousing community. Located in Perkasie, PA, this initiative aims to transform a $775,000 property into seven residential homes designed with autistic adults in mind. It’s a pioneering effort to blend private living spaces with shared community areas, fostering connection, safety, and empowerment.
Why Perkasie? Because we see an urgent need. Across the U.S., autistic adults often lack housing that supports their unique strengths and challenges. Traditional options—group homes or living with aging parents—can stifle independence or leave families scrambling for solutions. Our cohousing model flips the script. It’s about creating a space where residents have their own homes but share resources like a common house, gardens, and sensory-friendly zones—think quiet spaces for regulation and communal areas for optional social engagement. This isn’t just housing; it’s a community built on inclusion, choice, and dignity.
Why Now? The Urgency of April 2025
As we approach April 2, 2025, our nonprofit faces a pivotal moment. We’re racing to raise $100,000 by May 15 to fund our next progress payment on the land, which is a critical step toward breaking ground. World Autism Awareness Day kicks off our month-long campaign, harnessing April’s global momentum to rally support. This isn’t just about meeting a deadline—it’s about laying the foundation for a future where autistic adults thrive, not just survive.
Autism Awareness Month amplifies this urgency. With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with ASD (per CDC data), the need for innovative solutions grows daily. In Pennsylvania alone, families are searching for sustainable, long-term options for their loved ones. The Perkasie Project isn’t just a local effort—it’s a blueprint for neuro-inclusive communities nationwide.
Building this community takes more than vision—it takes resources, collaboration, and heart. Here’s how we’re turning the Perkasie Project into reality:
World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month aren’t just about raising funds—they’re about raising consciousness. Autism is a spectrum, not a monolith. It spans individuals like Alex, a 28-year-old dreaming of independence, and Lisa, a PA mom praying for her son’s future. It’s sensory sensitivities and remarkable talents, challenges and triumphs. By sharing these stories, we challenge stereotypes and build empathy.
The stats tell a story too: 70 million people worldwide live with autism. In the U.S., diagnosis rates are climbing, underscoring the need for early screening, better support, and—yes—housing innovation. The Perkasie Project aligns with global goals like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), proving that inclusion is both a local and universal imperative.
This Autism Awareness Month, we’re not just asking for donations—we’re inviting you into a movement. Here’s how you can get involved:
The Perkasie Project isn’t just Pennsylvania’s first neuro-inclusive cohousing community—it’s a promise. A promise that autistic adults can live full, meaningful lives in a world that sees their worth. This April, as we light up the world in blue for World Autism Awareness Day and rally through Autism Awareness Month, we’re building more than homes. We’re building hope.
Let’s move from surviving to thriving—together. Will you join us?
Read the full post at https://frontporchcohousing.org/blog/autism-awareness-month