5 Ways to Show Support for Autism Acceptance Month

5 Ways to Show Support for Autism Acceptance Month

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Acceptance Month! As of 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention determined that approximately 1 in 54 children are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The website defines ASD as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.” First things first: Autism is not a mental illness, it’s not caused by vaccines, and there is not “one way” to be autistic (hence the term spectrum). In addition to that, not everyone with autism has an intellectual disability. Many people with autism actually thrive in various subjects, whether it be technology, science, math, music, art, etc. You can read about more common misconceptions here.

An autistic person’s different way of thinking and/or behaving shouldn’t be considered a negative thing either, it’s just atypical. And as we work towards more autism awareness and acceptance, it’s important that we welcome and embrace neurodiversity in order to help those with ASD live in a world that allows them more safety and independence.

A few more things to know about autism:

Why it’s important to me

Mya Mae Grace is my little sister who was diagnosed with autism at two years old. She didn’t speak in full sentences until a couple years ago and even now as a teen she can be a bit difficult to understand. Sometimes she gets overwhelmed by loud noises and voices. Sometimes, she might even have a melt down if she’s too overstimulated. She hates to have pants on when she’s at home (honestly, relatable) and she hates to get hair brushed.

Mya is also one of the most intelligent kids I know. She can read and type extremely fast. She’s amazing with tech — she’s literally better at using certain apps than I am. She loves books and enjoys trips to Barnes and Noble. Growing up, her favorite toys were dinosaurs — she liked to line them up in straight rows. She wears her signature pink Disney princess blanket over her head everywhere she goes. She has the cutest high-pitched voice and a contagious giggle. Mya Mae Grace is smart, beautiful, and amazing. She is a light in our lives and we wouldn’t want her to be any other way.

5 Ways to Support Autism Acceptance

I am no expert and I definitely do not know everything about autism, so please just use this as a starting point. I encourage you to do your own research as well. But, I hope this is helpful!

Educate yourself about ASD

There are tons of articles and studies out there. Just taking the time to read about it and the people it affects can make a huge difference in your own perceptions and assumptions. It can also help you to educate others.

Here are a few articles as a starting place:

Follow people who are actually autistic

As much as I care about this cause, I will still never know what it’s like to be autistic. But you know who can tell you what it’s like? People with autism! And there are some wonderful bloggers, creators, and influencers out there who have chosen to use their platforms to educate. Here are a few to check out:

Donate to autism research and resource orgs

There is still so much to learn about ASD. There are also so many families out there that don’t know the first thing to do after receiving the diagnosis. That’s why it’s important for us to help out various organizations that can help in those areas. I did a bit of vetting and here are a few to check out:

  • The Autism Society of America — “The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates.”
  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network — “The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us!”
  • Organization for Autism Research — “We strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of ‘applying’ research to answer questions of daily concern to those living with autism defines our goals and program objectives and shapes our budget.”

Consume shows, movies, or books with autistic main characters

Of course TV shows and movies are not a substitute for doing real research, but they can still be a great tool! I highly suggest watching the show Atypical on Netflix. I’d like to reiterate that everyone with autism is different, but my family and I could relate to many aspects of the show. I think it could be a good way for others to at least begin to learn what it’s like to be (or love someone) who is on the spectrum. You can also check out Love on the Spectrum on Netflix, a reality show that puts autistic people at the center and talks about the challenges of dating. Another movie I’ve heard of, but have not seen, is the 2017 film Please Stand By.

Work to unlearn ableism

Ableism is the discrimination of people with disabilities. If you dismiss, ignore, or avoid people with ASD or any type of disability (intellectual , physical, or mental), not only is it extremely hurtful for those individuals and their loved ones, but it contributes to an ableist society. When we don’t work to understand and accommodate those who are different from us, it causes them to suffer to some degree, whether we realize it or not. If you know or meet someone with autism, focus on the things they do well. Be kind and patient. And don’t be dismissive of people because they’re “eccentric” or “weird.” Our differences are what makes this world a beautiful place.


Are there any other resources or information about autism acceptance that I should include?

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