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A Better World with Autism: UDW Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month—a time to honor a vibrant, diverse community of individuals and the care providers, parents and advocates who support them every day. At UDW, we’re proud to stand alongside our members who provide compassionate, skilled care to autistic clients in homes and communities across California.
 
“The world needs all kinds of minds.”
— Dr. Temple Grandin
 

From Autism Awareness to Acceptance, Advocacy and Celebration

Awareness is a start, but it’s not enough. As a union of care providers, parents and people with all kinds of abilities, we’re committed to building a better world with autistic individuals. This means never treating autism like a problem to be solved and fighting for a care system—and a society—that uplifts everyone.
 
Acceptance means recognizing the unique ways autistic people experience and contribute to the world. Advocacy means backing policies and care systems that honor those differences, protect vital services and ensure that every person has what they need to thrive.

The Power of Care

Every day, UDW members provide essential support to autistic individuals—helping them navigate daily routines, build confidence and access the life they deserve. We honor these home care and child care providers as they show up with skill, compassion and deep commitment to quality care that doesn’t just meet needs—it helps people thrive.

Astrid + The Manny Bill: When Care Becomes Change

UDW President Astrid Zuniga isn’t just a care giver—she’s a mother and an advocate who transformed personal struggle into statewide action. Her son Manny is autistic and nonverbal, and Astrid knew that in an emergency, first responders might not know how best to interact with him. So she took action.
 
Her leadership inspired the Manny Alert Act (AB 911)—a bill named after her son that calls for a voluntary, confidential statewide registry where individuals with disabilities (or their care providers) can provide information to help emergency responders act with awareness, sensitivity and safety during 911 calls.
 
Thanks to Astrid’s tireless advocacy—and the voices of UDW members backing her—the California legislature commissioned a statewide feasibility study, proving that such a system is technically and operationally feasible, and could save lives by giving first responders vital information in real time. The Manny Bill is proof of what UDW members can do when they organize and lead. It’s not just about a mother and child—it’s about creating a safer, more responsive system for all neurodivergent Californians.

A Future That Includes All of Us Starts with Action

We believe that autistic people deserve to thrive—and so do the workers who care for them. Together, we’re building a future where care is essential infrastructure, not an afterthought, where people with disabilities and those who support them have a voice in every room where decisions are made.

“We are care workers, but we are also policy shapers, movement builders and protectors of our communities. That’s the power of our union.” — Doug Moore

Astrid Zuniga, UDW Statewide President

Support Autism Advocacy

Right now, Medicaid—the backbone of autism services and disability care—is under threat. Cuts would devastate the care infrastructure that millions of families rely on, including those with autistic children and adults. Call on your elected officials at 1-866-584-5792 and demand they protect Medicaid funding and that they vote NO to any cuts! 

Share Your Story of Care

Are you a UDW member with experience supporting an autistic individual—as a worker, parent or self-advocate? We want to hear from you. Your experiences inspire others and help shape our union.

Stand Up for Care Workers

Join UDW in demanding fair pay and the dignity that care workers—and those they support—deserve. Contact your local office and find out how you can get more involved in your own community. 

This Autism Awareness Month, let’s move beyond awareness—and take action toward a future where each one of us is seen, supported and empowered to thrive.
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