The first‑ever Autism Acceptance Month proclamation in Roanoke tied directly to real‑world service gaps

Boxing Champions and City Leaders are more than their diagnosis, but can the Roanoke Valley meet the growing demand, and can the community accept their differences?

Author: Roanoke Rambler Staff

Published: 2:57 AM April 29, 2026

Edited: 2:57AM EST April 29, 2026

The city of Roanoke, Virginia, is celebrating April as Autism Acceptance Month for the first time after the City Council approved a formal proclamation on April 20, 2026, honoring the work of local providers and families on the spectrum. The city is now taking a big step to acknowledge autism, thanks to a special declaration. This declaration shines a light on the important work of VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment, a nonprofit organization that provides services for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in the area.

On April 20, 2026, Mayor Joe Cobb handed over the proclamation to the VIA team, including their CEO Ethan Long, at a council meeting. This move marks the beginning of a new public initiative to raise awareness about autism. By doing so, the city is showing its commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families, and to making the community a more inclusive and accepting place for everyone. The decision is part of a bigger trend across the country. The idea of recognizing autism in April started with Dr. Bernard Rimland, who founded the Autism Society of America. Later, presidents like Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, Joseph Biden, and Donald Trump helped spread awareness with special announcements, including one as recently as 2026.

In Roanoke, autism acceptance is now officially part of the city calendar.

 “The world is cold”

For Jason Dunn, a dad from Roanoke City, acceptance for his son should be year-round. His son, Chris, who is 21, has autism and grew up in Roanoke City, facing some tough challenges - like being bullied, feeling confused in social situations, and struggling to understand what others are thinking. But despite all this, Chris has achieved some amazing things: he's a Golden Gloves state and regional boxing champion, training at Champ's Gym in Roanoke, and he even graduated from Roanoke City Public Schools.

Jason Dunn wants people to know that just because his son has autism, it doesn't mean he can't have a normal life. He thinks the world can be a tough and unforgiving place, but that's no reason to give up. Dunn believes it's essential for the community to accept and appreciate his son's unique qualities, even if some people might not understand or appreciate them. He's teaching his son that not everyone will be kind or supportive, but that's okay - he can still thrive and be happy. By being open and honest about his son's autism, Dunn hopes to raise awareness and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society. “The world is cold,” Dunn said. “The world can be mean. Just because your child has autism doesn’t mean they cannot lead a normal life.” Jason Dunn described a need for the broader community to embrace his son’s differences while level-setting with him that many may not. Still, he said, acceptance from other kids growing up was a challenge and the resources that helped Chris as a child thinned as he aged out of school-based services, and the transition to adult support remains uneven for many families in the Valley.

 A Needed and Growing Support Network

Roanoke is now home to a variety of autism services, giving families more options than ever before. For example, Blue Ridge Autism, Autism First, Mosaic Pediatric Therapy, Family Insight, and Boundless ABA all offer their own unique services. Mosaic's clinic in Roanoke is a great example - they're not just serving local families, but also those from surrounding areas like Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, Daleville, Troutville, and even Botetourt County. Boundless ABA is another option, offering both in-home and center-based services to families in the region. Even though there's been growth, local numbers show that the nonprofit system is still behind bigger cities. A list of autism groups in Virginia reveals that Roanoke has a tiny fraction of the state's autism-focused nonprofits compared to Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia. This difference doesn't necessarily mean there's a need, but it suggests that the region has fewer specialized providers, which can lead to longer drives, longer waitlists, or higher costs for families who need help. This can be a real challenge for impacted families in the area.

Funding Pressures

The demand for autism services is increasing, but the funding to support it is not keeping pace. In Virginia, the latest budget did not include any extra money specifically for autism services, which is a problem because more and more people need help. Meanwhile, the federal government has approved a significant amount of money - nearly $400 million - for autism-related programs in the next fiscal year, including research, early identification, and training for workers. This highlights a common issue in cities like Roanoke, where the need for services is growing faster than the ability to provide them. It's a challenge that many communities are facing, and it's essential to find a way to address it to ensure that people with autism get the support they need. The federal funding is a step in the right direction, but it's crucial to have a consistent and reliable source of funding at the state level as well. Schools play a big role in this too. For example, Roanoke County Public Schools just talked about a new budget plan for 2025-2026 that has some big changes in how they get money from the state and local government. This shows that special education and services for students with autism are still closely tied to what's decided in the budget each year. Many families in the area say that the quality of support for autism can be really different depending on things like who's working at the school, what resources the district has, and whether students get help with academics, behavior, or planning for when they grow up.

From Awareness to Acceptance

As Mayor Joe Cobb presented the city's proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month, he emphasized that every individual, regardless of their diagnosis, has the potential to “thrive in the way they are meant to thrive." In Roanoke, advocates are now shifting their focus from mere recognition to more pressing issues like capacity, belonging, and helping autistic individuals reach their full potential. While the April festival and the city-wide lighting of landmarks in blue are tangible signs of progress, families like the Dunns are looking for more substantial changes. They want to see if the region can develop services that cater to the evolving needs of autistic children and adults, and if communities can move beyond just tolerating autism to fully embracing and including individuals with autism. The real challenge lies in creating a supportive environment where autistic individuals can feel a sense of belonging and thrive without limitations. At the April 20, 2026, recent Roanoke City Council meeting, Councilman Peter Volosin openly shared his personal experience, saying "“I too am neurodivergent and I want to thank you for (VIA) the work you do everyday to make sure people are included and also able to use their abilities." For Chris Dunn, Councilman Volosin and other champions in Roanoke, they are personal proof that the right support can change a life. For Chris Dunn and other autistic residents in the Valley, April is a reminder that acceptance has to mean more than a month‑long label.

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