Here are the Autism Awareness Month events in the Houston area

People across greater Houston are celebrating Autism Awareness Month with stories and events to help support research and eliminate the stigma associated with the disorder. 

Tuesday is World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2007 to highlight autism as a growing health crisis, according to the Autism Speaks website. Since then, knowledge about autism and the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention increased across the world.

Here are some events to celebrate Autism Awareness Month in Houston:

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Autism Speaks Houston and Raising Cane’s will team up Tuesday afternoon with 53 Houston area participating restaurants to donate 15% of the proceeds to the nonprofit in honor of World Autism Month, according to a news release.

The event will be from 4-9 p.m. at the locations. 

To find a participating location near you in Houston, visit raisingcanes.com/locations.

The Houston Astros will celebrate Autism Awareness Night Tuesday, on the same day they face off against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The night will feature a pregame ceremony with lower volume in 156, 305 and 405 sections, a sensory room in Champions Pavilion by section 255 and autism awareness groups in the Hall of Fame Alley. 

The event will be Tuesday night starting around 7 p.m. For more information, visit Major League Baseball’s website. 

Throughout Autism Awareness Month, Monarch students and adult learners will have their art displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Glassell School of Art. The exclusive exhibit will show art from unique perspectives and creativity through empowerment. 

The Monarch School is inviting everyone to see the “extraordinary artistry and resilience of individuals with neurological differences.” 

The exhibit will be open 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. from April 5-May 3 at the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston on 1001 Bissonnet Street in Houston.

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The Autism Moms of Houston is hosting an adaptive Easter egg hunt with a popcorn machine, games, raffles and refreshments. 

The event will be Saturday starting at 1 p.m. at the Bayland Park Pavilion on 6400 Bissonnet Street in Houston. The event is free and people can RSVP by visiting autismmomsofhouston.org. 

Success on the Spectrum is hosting its 2024 Autism Prom which will be sensory-friendly for all ages. There isn’t a specific dress code, but the treatment franchise encourages everyone to wear neon in coordination with the Light it Up theme. 

There will be low-volume music, a photo booth and glow-in-the-dark decor. The kids will be given light-up accessories when entering the building. 

The event will start Sunday, April 7, at the Moody Gardens’ hotel ballroom on 1 Hope Blvd. in Galveston at 2 p.m. Make sure to RSVP for a ticket. 

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is hosting an event for children with autism and their families with dimmed lights, low sounds and limited distracting motions to explore exhibits. There will also be a less crowded environment, extra visual safety signage and designated quiet rooms. 

The center described the event as a “journey of discovery” with a day from extra stimuli. 

The event is free for members and general admission is $8 each on Monday, April 8 at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center on 198 Kempner Street in Sugar Land from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, visit childrendiscoveryfb.org. 

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The Children’s Museum Houston is hosting an event for children with autism with several fun activities, including Mr. Leo Puppet Show, meeting furry pets and story times. There will also be a less crowded environment, light and sound reduction, extra visual safety signage and designated quiet rooms. 

The event is free for members and general admission is $8 each on Monday, April 15 at the Children’s Museum Houston on 1500 Binz Street in Houston from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, visit cmhouston.org. 

The annual Walk With Me event will start in mid-April as a way to fundraise for services for people of all ages with different types of disabilities. The walk will start at the Houston Zoo. 

The proceeds will go to Easter Seals Greater Houston which will provide services including therapy, training and education. The event will be on Saturday, April 20. 

For those interested in participating in the walk or donating, visit eastersealshouston.org.