Autism Acceptance Month: April, 2026
Crossroads Art Center is excited to recognize and celebrate Autism Acceptance Month: April, 2026.
Wednesday, April 1, 5-7pm: Autism Acceptance Open House. Meet featured artist Angelique Stapleton; meet 10-year-old Angelina Layne who will be “inscribing “copies of the national autism book, Angelina’s Shake-a-Stick! (proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Central Virginia); and interact with others in RVA’s autism community.
Dr. Kathy Matthews
Jennifer Barnum and Eli Barnum
Saturday, April 4, 10am-Noon: Community Autism Forum. Learn about and discuss autism with an experienced panel: Dr. Kathy Matthews, autism mom, longtime administration for The Faison Center, now Chief Family Strategist and Advocate at All Needs Planning; Jennifer Partridge Barnum, autism mom, longtime special needs volunteer and advocate, Board Chair for the Autism Society of Central Virginia; Eli Barnum, autism self-advocate, longtime volunteer and participant throughout the RVA autism and special needs community; John Bryan, autism grandparent, author of national autism book, Angelina’s Shake-a-Stick!
Throughout April:
Crossroads’ front windows will feature artworks by autistic Richmonder Angelique Stapleton: “I’m an acrylic artist who loves painting landscapes – trees, mountains, and vibrant sunsets. My autism shapes the way I experience color and detail, and I pour that perspective into every piece I create.”
