One-in-31. That is the likelihood of a child having autism, which has increased by about 300% over the past 20 years. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction and behavior.
At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital on Thursday, it was a reason for celebration.
“[Autism] is everywhere … some individuals with autism can get by in society but for the most part, it’s very difficult. Those that have severe conditions or with severe autism really struggle,” said Dr. Gary Feldman, the Medical Director for Miller’s Stremsky Child Development Center.
Liberty Belle surprised the neurodivergent children during the annual Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, 2026 at the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Miller had its yearly Autism Acceptance Day event, where children were surprised with mini therapy horses, local firefighters and physical activities incorporating bubbles and small keyboards.
Dr. Feldman said it’s easy for individuals with autism to be marginalized because of their behaviors and social traits.
“We need to accept who they are and make them part of our society and include them,” Dr. Feldman said.
Ten-year clinical psychologist for the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, Dr. Ioana Pal, said the event helps parents feel less alone and reassures them that they have a community they can depend on.
Sharon Stutz, Board Treasurer & Volunteer of the non-profit, Mini Therapy Horses, allowed each child to pet the therapy horse during Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, 2026 at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Marie Beausoleil, grandmother of Emmalee Beltran, who was recently diagnosed with autism at the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, said it’s important to have events like this to publicize autism.
“We’re all very proud so the more publicity that Miller’s Children’s Hospital gets, the better for everybody because people that maybe don’t need their services but will later will understand that they’re very welcoming and willing to help whatever walk of life you are in,” Beausoleil said.
Beltran agreed with Beausoleil that it felt good to have the community support them.
“I liked the horses,” Beltran said.
Valentina Blue, the newest member of Mini Therapy Horses, and the brown and white spotted Liberty Belle surprised the children by showing off tricks such as playing the piano with their muzzle and jumping up in the air on command.
Liberty Belle, part of the non-profit group, Mini Therapy Horses, shocked the children and parents alike as the small therapy horse played the piano with part of its mouth during the Autism Acceptance event on April 2 at the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Families and children bond with one another as they play with sensory toys such as pianos, spiky balls and bubble wands during the Autism Acceptance event on April 2, 2026 at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
One-by-one, the children viewed the inside of the firetrucks with excitement, evident by the smiles on each of their faces. The children also had the chance to pet the therapy horses that were brought in.
Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital staff and the children watched in awe cheerful expressions.
The firefighters, bubbles and ponies also put a smile on Dr. Pal’s face. But for her, the event is more than just those experiences alone. She views the event as part of giving neurodivergent kids similar opportunities to every other kid.
“It’s not just about talking about autism, it’s about providing the same opportunities like the ponies, the fire truck, bubbles; every child enjoys those things and so a diagnosis shouldn’t stop that,” she said.
In Photos:
Marie Beausoleil (right) and Emmalee Beltran (middle) pose for a photo at the Autism Acceptance event on April 2, 2026 at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Physical therapist Allison Dorsey, who has worked in the pediatric rehab department for the past 12 years, brought one of Miller Children’s facility dogs for the children to pet on April 2, 2026 in Long Beach. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Bubbles and excitement fill the air outside Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital as the hospital celebrates Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, 2026. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Founder, President and Executive Director of Mini Therapy Horses, Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, holds Valentina Blue as she jumps up in the air as the children watch in shock during the Autism Acceptance event on April 2, 2026 at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Each child had a chance to visit inside Long Beach’s Station 7 firetruck while members of the Long Beach Fire Station helped the children get inside the fire truck during the annual Autism Acceptance Day event at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital on April 2, 2026. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Children, firefighters and members of the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital celebrate Autism Acceptance Day on April 2, 2026. (Samuel Chacko | Signal Tribune)
Samuel ChackoPhotojournalist
Samuel Chacko is an award-winning photojournalist from Long Beach, California. Samuel currently works as a freelance journalist for multiple publications and he is a class of 2025 Cal State Long Beach graduate. Samuel loves watching sports (the Ravens and the Yankees) and taking photos.
Check out more of Samuel’s work here: https://samuelchacko.com/
