Cherokee Nation proclaims April as Autism Awareness Month

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed a proclamation Tuesday declaring April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in the Cherokee Nation during a ceremony held at the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center.

The proclamation reaffirms the tribe's commitment to supporting Cherokee Nation citizens with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and their caregivers. It highlights the tribe's dedication to strengthening its health care system, expanding access to diagnosis and treatment services, and fostering a community where individuals with autism are supported and empowered.

"As Cherokee people, our values teach us to treat one another's existence as sacred, and that means making sure our citizens with autism and their families know they are seen, supported, and cared for," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "Declaring April as Autism Awareness Month is part of our broader commitment to ensuring our health care system meets the diverse needs of every Cherokee citizen, and we will continue to build on that work."

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States have been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

The proclamation builds on the work of the Cherokee Nation Health Services Autism Task Force, which was established in April 2023 to analyze services and resources available across the reservation, identify gaps in care, and develop goals and operational activities to better serve citizens with autism. The task force has hosted town hall meetings, both in-person and online, to engage directly with Cherokee self-advocates and caregivers. Key themes that emerged from those conversations include housing and lifespan considerations, workforce development, and educational support. Over the past year, task force members have also spoken directly with families across the reservation, gathering firsthand feedback and experiences that continue to shape the work ahead.

Chief Hoskin announced the Autism Task Force will continue its work as the Cherokee Nation is establishing a permanent Autism Advisory Group to advise the Principal Chief on autism policy, care, and advocacy.

The tribe has also been active in building partnerships to strengthen support for citizens with autism. In February, the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma visited the Cherokee Nation Reservation to speak with Cherokee Nation leaders and employees about the importance of supporting Oklahomans with autism in reaching their full potential and thriving in their communities. Through that partnership, Cherokee Nation equipped all Cherokee Nation health facilities, as well as its emergency and marshal vehicles, with sensory kits designed to help individuals with autism regulate their nervous system, manage anxiety, and improve focus. Employees across those facilities and units have also been trained on how to use the kits effectively.

"Autism impacts each person differently, and the needs of our citizens and their families are equally unique," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "We are committed to building a health care system that meets people where they are, with compassionate and effective services that give every Cherokee citizen with autism the opportunity to thrive."

Dr. Rebecca Shepherd, Cherokee Nation Health Services Chief Nursing Officer and chair of the CNHS Autism Task Force, said the proclamation signing reflects both the progress the task force has made and the work that remains ahead.

"This moment represents more than a signature. It reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals and families impacted by autism across the Cherokee Nation," said Dr. Shepherd. "We are expanding education and training opportunities for our employees, taking important steps to prepare for sensory needs in our facilities and in the field, and building partnerships that are already making a difference. Families are noticing. They are feeling supported. And they are seeing a community that is working intentionally to meet their needs. We are proud of the progress we have made, and we look forward to continuing to build a future where every individual is respected, every voice is heard, and every family feels supported."

In addition to the task force's ongoing efforts, the Cherokee Nation has collaborated with Pervasive Parenting to provide adolescent social and caregiver support, helping to raise awareness and maximize resources available to Cherokee citizens.

For more information about the Cherokee Nation Autism Task Force and its recommendations, visit https://www.cherokee.org/our-government/executive-branch/task-forces/autism-task-force/.