CAAN Spring Newsletter
Here's latest information from the Capital Area Autism Network including the launch of our Business Network, updates from around the community, and more!
April is Autism Acceptance Month - Join Our "$36 for 1 in 36" Campaign
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and CAAN invites you to participate in our special fundraising campaign. The CDC's latest data shows that autism affects 1 in 36 children nationwide. To acknowledge this prevalence rate, we're asking supporters to consider donating $36, $72, $108, or any multiple of $36 - either as a one-time gift or on a monthly basis.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 in general support by the end of April. These funds will directly support our mission of increasing awareness, acceptance, and understanding of autism and neurodiversity through advocacy, education, and community connection.
Your donation helps build a more inclusive Capital Region for autistic and neurodivergent individuals of all ages. To contribute, visit www.caanbr.org/donate.
CAAN Business Network Officially Launches
Last week marked a significant milestone in CAAN's journey as we officially launched the CAAN Business Network at our Spring Stakeholder Meeting. The event brought together advocates, service providers, families, self-advocates, and community leaders who share our vision of a more inclusive Capital Region.
Our Executive Director shared CAAN's evolution from its origins in 2016—when the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's comprehensive study identified the need for better coordination of autism services—to our current position as a growing network focused on creating meaningful change. The presentation highlighted how our organization has matured through achieving 501(c)(3) status in 2021, bringing on dedicated staff, and developing a strategic plan that guides our work through 2027.
The Need for Business Engagement
The launch of the Business Network addresses a critical gap in our community. With autism affecting 1 in 36 children according to the CDC(approximately 27,800 children under 18 in Louisiana), and only 32% of adults with autism finding employment, there's a clear need for greater inclusion in our business community.
These challenges aren't due to a lack of ability but rather a lack of accommodation, understanding, and opportunity. The CAAN Business Network aims to bridge this gap by supporting businesses in creating more inclusive environments for both neurodivergent employees and customers.
Business Network Membership Benefits
For an annual investment of $250, member organizations receive:
Workforce Development Resources - Expert consultation on inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and support strategies
Professional Development - Discounted access to CAAN's educational programs and priority registration for our annual neurodiversity conference
Brand Recognition - Official designation as an Autism-Friendly Organization with listing on CAAN's website and communications
Network Access - Complimentary tickets to CAAN's annual conference and invitations to bi-annual stakeholder meetings
The network is designed to be accessible to organizations of all sizes and sectors—for-profit businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Annual Report and Conference
An exciting initiative launched earlier this year is our annual report on the state of autism and neurodiversity in the Baton Rouge area. We're currently seeking adult neurodivergent participants and caregivers to participate in surveys and interviews. Your participation will help provide a comprehensive picture of neurodiversity in our region. Find the survey here.
This report will serve as the foundation for our inaugural neurodiversity conference on October 1, 2025, at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The conference will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact us for more information at drew.walker@caanbr.org or 225-329-1739.
Advocacy Updates
The meeting also addressed important advocacy issues, particularly potential impacts from budget negotiations at both state and federal levels. Of particular concern is the lawsuit Texas v. Becerra, which seeks to declare Section 504 unconstitutional. This section provides critical protections for people with disabilities that even the field for everyone, including autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We'll continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as developments occur. The Louisiana Developmental Disability Council, The ARC of Louisiana, Families Helping Families, and LaCAN have been providing consistent updates as the case progresses.
Autism Acceptance Month Events
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and there are numerous community events to participate in:
April 13 - LASM's Sensory Second Sunday (3:00-5:00 pm)
April 26 - Families Helping Families' Active for Autism 5k at Pennington (morning)
April 26 - Red Stick CARES Annual Crawfish Boil at Live Oak at Cedar Lodge (evening)
April 26 - Spek-Truhm Fundraiser at Beyond Gymnastics
April 27 - Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health No Such Thing as Impossible bike ride at Pointe Marie
Get Involved
We're seeking organizations interested in becoming founding members of the CAAN Business Network. Your participation will help us reach our goal of 200 business members by 2027, creating hundreds of new employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and establishing the Capital Region as a leader in neurodiversity inclusion.
To learn more about joining the Business Network or participating in our research, please contact us at info@caanbr.org or (225) 329-1739.
The Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) is committed to addressing themost pressing and impactful needs of the Autism community in the BatonRouge area through connection, opportunity, and advocacy.