Autism Society of Greater New Orleans 16th Annual Autism Awareness Festival

As of Friday, March 13, the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans has decided to postpone our 16th Annual Autism Festival that was to be held on April 4 at the First Baptist Church of New Orleans. Due to the decree by Governor Edwards cancelling events with more than 250 participants, ASGNO has made the decision to postpone the 16th Annual Autism Festival to help protect our members, attendees, staff, and volunteers during the COVID-19 outbreak. In the current environment, it’s important for all of us to travel smarter and more consciously, as we work together as a community to decrease the transmission and lower the impact of COVID-19.

We are exploring options to reschedule the event and possibly offer a virtual experience for 2020 attendees to participate in our National Autism Awareness Month efforts. For updates, please sign up for our email subscription and FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK. We understand the gravity of the situation for all of the attendees, sponsors, and local businesses, traveling from near and far to participate. We will continue to work hard to bring you meaningful events that create more opportunities to advocate for a better quality of life for those affected by autism.

For additional resources on COVID-19 and how it affects the disability community, CLICK HERE. We appreciate your patience, and will continue to be transparent throughout this process.

Our Annual Autism Awareness Festival is an opportunity to meet new friends, network, learn about all the resources available in the Greater New Orleans area, and have a fun-filled family day! But most of all, it is a time to celebrate the individuality and many gifts and contributions our friends and family with autism bring to our community.

Some of what our Annual Autism Awareness Festival featured last year includes:

• Live Entertainment by LA Kids
• Disco Amigos
• NOLA Games on Wheels Video Game Truck
• Snoballs
• Bounce House
• Silent Auction
• Autism Store
• Resource Agencies
• Merchandise Vendors
• Food, Drinks, Music, and more!!!

With your participation as well as your generous donations, we will be able to continue to support the Greater New Orleans Area. Some of our major programs include but are not limited to:

• Information and referral services through our Autism Help Line, eNewsletters, website, and social media
• Community and parent training events such as our Brushes, Buddies, and Beyond for Autism, and Family Game Night
• Our Mini Grant Program that provides grants to families and teachers for purchasing materials and equipment that help students with Autism in their classrooms and children and adults with Autism in their community

Because we are primarily an all-volunteer organization, nearly 100% of the money raised through your participation and generous donations will go towards providing these services to families living in the Greater New Orleans area and continuing our mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism.

In April 2018, CDC reported that 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with Autism. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others and affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Individuals on the Autism Spectrum have difficulty with receptive and expressive language, reading and processing social cues, and executive function. These challenges make it important for us to increase not only awareness, but also acceptance for individuals on the Autism Spectrum in our communities 

Registration Information 

Online Pre-Registrations will be accepted through March 28, 2020. Perks of pre-registration include discounted registration fees, priority admission the day of the fest, and guaranteed T-shirt sizes, including some available for pre-order only. 

Registration prices are available on the “event information” tab on this site. Included in your registration price is admission to the fest, access to the entertainment and games, and one complementary trip through the cafeteria per person. Family Registration includes admission to the fest for up to two adults and their minor and/or disabled dependents in the same household up to 4 people total per family registration. Additional meal tickets are available as an add-on to your online registration for $5 each and will be available for sale the day of the fest. 

T-shirts are available for sale with your registration. Youth sizes, 3X, and 4XL shirts are available FOR PREORDER ONLY. Limited quantities of Adult sizes Small-2XL will be available for sale the day of the fest. If you want to ensure you get your preferred size please pre-order your shirt with your registration. 

Click the “sign up” button to pre-register for the fest today! 

If you wish you be a vendor or sponsor for the fest please check out the information on the “become a vendor” and “become a sponsor” pages, or visit our website.