WHY WE CELEBRATE
The start of April sparks Autism Awareness Month. Every April, the whole month is devoted to bringing awareness about autism acceptance and promoting inclusion and connectedness for those who are or have been diagnosed with autism. According to the CDC, autism affects, “Around 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder.” That’s more than 75,000,000 people, according to research conducted by the CDC- “1 in every 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.” Yet as a society, we still fail not only to understand but include those with autism. Promoting acceptance creates a world that not only provides support and outlets to the autism community but also opens up a world of well-deserved opportunities to those with special needs. Autism awareness sheds light on diverse experiences and perspectives, it fosters awareness, understanding, and inclusion. This month we celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, as we continue to strive towards elite inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community.
The start of April sparks Autism Awareness Month. Every April, the whole month is devoted to bringing awareness about autism acceptance and promoting inclusion and connectedness for those who are or have been diagnosed with autism. According to the CDC, autism affects, “Around 1% of the world’s population has autism spectrum disorder.” That’s more than 75,000,000 people, according to research conducted by the CDC- “1 in every 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.” Yet as a society, we still fail not only to understand but include those with autism. Promoting acceptance creates a world that not only provides support and outlets to the autism community but also opens up a world of well-deserved opportunities to those with special needs. Autism awareness sheds light on diverse experiences and perspectives, it fosters awareness, understanding, and inclusion. This month we celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, as we continue to strive towards elite inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community.
HISTORY AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Autism Awareness Month was established in the 1970s by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., a psychologist and autism researcher. Rimland chose the month of April because it was the start of spring, symbolizing a time for new beginnings. The month also coincides with his son’s birthday who also had a form of autism. President Ronald Reagan in April of 1988, issued the first presidential proclamation declaring April as National Autism Awareness Month. This significant proclamation set in motion a whole new era of awareness opening so many opportunities for those with autism to live fuller and more productive lives. In 1963, the puzzle piece was first introduced by the National Autistic Society as part of their logo. The Puzzle Piece symbolizes the complexity of ASDs and reminds us that we are all interconnected. The Puzzle Piece has now become an internationally recognized symbol of strength, power, unity, and hope for those affected by autism spectrum disorders.
Autism Awareness Month was established in the 1970s by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., a psychologist and autism researcher. Rimland chose the month of April because it was the start of spring, symbolizing a time for new beginnings. The month also coincides with his son’s birthday who also had a form of autism. President Ronald Reagan in April of 1988, issued the first presidential proclamation declaring April as National Autism Awareness Month. This significant proclamation set in motion a whole new era of awareness opening so many opportunities for those with autism to live fuller and more productive lives. In 1963, the puzzle piece was first introduced by the National Autistic Society as part of their logo. The Puzzle Piece symbolizes the complexity of ASDs and reminds us that we are all interconnected. The Puzzle Piece has now become an internationally recognized symbol of strength, power, unity, and hope for those affected by autism spectrum disorders.
WAYS WE CAN BE MORE INCLUSIVE
Autism Awareness Month gives us a chance to reflect on how we can work together as a society to support young families as well as children and youth with autism as they transition into adulthood, helping each reach their full potential. It’s also a time to renew our commitment to honor the unique lived experiences of people with autism. One way we can better understand the community is, that everyone is unique and that being unique is not a weakness but rather a strength. We as a society often get reminded of the power of kindness quite often, but it is because of its value that the words “Be kind” get so heavily pushed. Just sharing a simple kind word or gesture can be a simple way you show acceptance. Try to better understand Autism in itself, not
many know much about the disorder, but trying to better understand Autism can help you better communicate and interact with those impacted by Autism. Even though not every month is National Autism Awareness Month does not mean that we should not practice acceptance in the months to come.
Autism Awareness Month gives us a chance to reflect on how we can work together as a society to support young families as well as children and youth with autism as they transition into adulthood, helping each reach their full potential. It’s also a time to renew our commitment to honor the unique lived experiences of people with autism. One way we can better understand the community is, that everyone is unique and that being unique is not a weakness but rather a strength. We as a society often get reminded of the power of kindness quite often, but it is because of its value that the words “Be kind” get so heavily pushed. Just sharing a simple kind word or gesture can be a simple way you show acceptance. Try to better understand Autism in itself, not
many know much about the disorder, but trying to better understand Autism can help you better communicate and interact with those impacted by Autism. Even though not every month is National Autism Awareness Month does not mean that we should not practice acceptance in the months to come.
