Mississippi Department of Mental Health Recognizes Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) is proud to recognize April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month alongside communities across the country and here at home.
Autism Awareness & Acceptance Proclamation Signing
Pictured, front from left (behind Gov. Reeves): Dr. Kristin Kirby, DMH Chief Clinical Officer (IDD Services); Katie Storr, DMH Chief of Staff; Dr. Thomas Recore, DMH Medical Director; Dr. Alyssa Killebrew, Board Of Mental Health Chair; Lynda Balfour, MAAC; Prentiss Willson, Client; Wendy Bailey, DMH Executive Director and Rhonda Upton, MAAC. Back, from left: James G. “Bo” Chastain, MSH Director; Matthew Gordon, DMH Program Specialist (IDD Services); Shavvone Williams, DMH Autism Services Director; Craig Kittrell, DMH Deputy Executive Director (IDD Services); Malik Ducksworth; Deyanna Buckner, Hamilton Davis and Jake Hutchins, DMH Deputy Executive Director (Behavioral Health Services).
Governor Tate Reeves has officially declared April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Mississippi. The proclamation states this month is a time to educate the public, promote acceptance and encourage meaningful action. All Mississippians are urged to learn more about the unique perspectives of people with autism and families and to recognize the many ways they contribute to our state and nation.
DMH is committed to honoring that call to action. The Department recently established its Division of Autism Services — a dedicated division that reflects DMH’s growing commitment to meeting the needs of Mississippians with autism and their families. The Division works to connect individuals with the services, support and resources they need to thrive, and this month offers a special opportunity to bring those resources directly to the community.
Shavvone Williams, Director of the Division of Autism Services, captures the heart of that mission:
“A well-known saying is, ‘You have autism; autism does not have you.’ To me, this means that with the right support and knowledge, individuals and families can build the lives they envision — regardless of the level of need. My life’s work and my passion are rooted in making sure that support, resources, and understanding reach as many people as possible. I am committed to being a true source of guidance not only for the autism community, but for our community as a whole.”
To further support individuals with autism and their families, DMH’s Division of Autism Services has developed a comprehensive Autism Resource Guide, available now on the DMH website by clicking here. The guide serves as a one-stop resource for individuals, families and caregivers seeking information on services, support networks and community resources available throughout Mississippi.
To mark Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, the Division of Autism Services will also host a free Autism Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Hall C. The event will bring together individuals, families and caregivers with information and services available across Mississippi.
Admission is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions and connect with local and statewide resources.
For more information about the division, visit the webpage above or contact Shavvone Williams at (601) 359-1317 or Shavvone.Williams@dmh.ms.gov