Autism Acceptance Month

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Autism, known more formally as Autism Spectrum Disorder or simply ASD, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, restrictive or repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. People with ASD often have difficulty with social communication or exhibit limited restricted interests. 

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Autism Acceptance month is an annual observance in April, aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of ASD and to recognize the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. The goal is to educate the public about autism and to support people living with autism to lead full and inclusive lives.

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In recent years the Autism Society of America, in conjunction with other disability organizations, has encouraged a shift from calling April Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. The shift represents a long-standing belief, specifically by autism advocates, that individuals with autism should be viewed as a part of a more neurodiverse community versus autism being an illness that should be cured. 

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The shift from autism awareness to autism acceptance reflects a change in the way society views and understands autism. Historically, autism was often portrayed as a tragedy or a problem that needed to be fixed, and individuals with autism were often seen as being in need of a cure or treatment. However, as more people with autism and their families have become advocates for the neurodiverse community, there has been a growing recognition that autism is simply a different way of viewing the world and that individuals with autism have unique strengths, talents and perspectives that should be valued and appreciated. The shift in thinking has led to greater emphasis on autism acceptance and a more inclusive society. 

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Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of the human brain and neurological structures. It views neurological differences such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia as natural and normal aspects of human diversity. The idea is that individuals should be supported and valued for their unique strengths and talents rather than viewed as having something "wrong” with them. This perspective challenges traditional medical and cultural models of disability and seeks to promote greater understanding, inclusion and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals.  This movement seeks to empower individuals and encourage the embracing of neurodiversity so we can create a more diverse and inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to society.

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This reasoning is also why a puzzle piece is no longer the symbol representing autism. The puzzle piece began to be viewed negatively as it was thought to represent Autism as a puzzle that needed to be solved or that those with the condition were incomplete. In February 2018, the puzzle piece was replaced with a rainbow-colored infinity symbol to represent a spectrum, diversity, and difference. It removes the idea that those with autism are missing parts or are incomplete.

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The purpose of Autism Acceptance Month is not just to raise awareness and understanding of autism. This month and the “Light it up Blue” campaign has always been about educating the public and promoting early diagnosis and reducing the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding autism. However, in recent years advocates are also hoping to promote a more accepting and inclusive society with an emphasis on supporting individuals with autism.

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What are your thoughts? How should we be viewing individuals with autism??

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