Every1 With Autism Belongs: How Easterseals is Redefining Inclusion

April is Autism Acceptance Month and Easterseals Southern California (ESSC)—one of the largest providers of autism therapy services in the nation—is once again initiating a brash dialogue around disability acceptance with a new PSA campaign, Every1 With Autism Belongs. 

​One in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, with California having one of the highest rates in the U.S., with one in 19. ESSC provides services to more than 29,000 people with autism and other disabilities and their families in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties.

Created collaboratively alongside people with autism and the parents of children with autism, the campaign features four local residents with varying levels of autism who portray what belonging should look like at school, in the community, at work and at home.  

Both English and Spanish versions of the campaign will be seen throughout SoCal through the end of 2027 on TV, online, on mobile devices and on billboards and other outdoor advertising venues. Spots will also be heard on iHeart Radio.

What You Can Do

ESSC’s Every1 With Autism Belongs campaign celebrates inclusion and individuality by reminding the world that it’s not one-size-fits-all for people with autism and that Every1 is unique. ​At EastersealsAutism.com, people will find easy, everyday ways we all can help make spaces more inclusive—whether at home, work, school or in the community. 

From listening with empathy to inviting people into the conversation, visitors can explore practical tips, conversation starters and resources that inspire action. The site also offers factual information about autism and other resources. 

Why It Matters?

The Every1 With Autism Belongs awareness campaign is by, for and about people with autism,” said Mark Whitley, president & CEO of ESSC. “Real inclusion begins by listening to lived experiences and through this initiative, individuals with autism are leading the conversation—helping to create communities where everyone is valued, respected and belongs.”

“A sense of belonging is fundamental to our emotional well-being, added Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Chief Clinical Officer and Psychologist, Autism Therapy Services, ESSC. “For autistic people, that sense of belonging grows when people feel safe, respected and truly heard. Creating inclusive environments requires intention, awareness and a commitment to understanding individual strengths and needs. This campaign is about the importance of fostering communities where individuals with autism are not only supported but genuinely valued.” 

Where You Can See It

The PSA debuted nationally during the 2026 Winter Paralympics, March 6-15, on NBC, CNBC and USA Network. Additionally, the PSA—with both English and Spanish versions—will also be seen in SoCal throughout 2026-2027 on such broadcast and streaming outlets as FOX, NBC, Spectrum, Cox, PBS, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, Peacock and Roku. It will also be seen on mobile on CNN, Programmatic by Div. D, YouTube and gum gum; and on the Google, Bing and Yahoo! search engines. Heard on iHeart Radio Los Angeles, it will also be featured on the websites of disability and SoCal print media. Ads are also planned to appear on billboards and other outdoor advertising venues.

Become a Part of the Conversation!

Head to EastersealsAutism.com to learn more about the campaign and: 

• Discover real and relatable stories of belonging 
• Share your own story of belonging 
• Purchase and wear swag to support the cause 
• Follow and tag us on social media @EastersealsSoCal and keep your eyes out for shareable content that helps spread the word about belonging!