“What Does Autism Look Like?” May Institute and MBTA Promote Autism Awareness

Millions of Massachusetts public transportation commuters had the opportunity to learn more about autism this spring, thanks to a powerful public awareness campaign by May Institute and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The campaign was unveiled at a press conference at South Station in Boston.

The What Does Autism Look Like? campaign coincided with Autism Awareness Month and included 125 large T platform posters in 55 stations, and over 400 educational car cards that were displayed in subway cars and buses throughout the MBTA system.

The campaign featured photos and excerpts from the award-winning Faces and Voices of Autism exhibition. It also included an educational component, with car cards highlighting facts about autism. The campaign was co-sponsored and funded in part by the National Autism Center and United Benefit Services, a full service employee benefits brokerage firm.

“For decades, May Institute has worked to increase public awareness about autism because we know that increased awareness results in earlier diagnosis and treatment, critical components for the future success of children with autism,” said Institute President and CEO Walter P. Christian, Ph.D., ABPP. “Spearheading this campaign gave us an outstanding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children with autism in the Boston area.”