April is Autism Acceptance Month. This month is an invitation and a call to increase awareness, promote inclusion, and practice acceptance so that individuals with Autism can receive the support and opportunities they deserve to live fully.
From Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance
Previously known as Autism Awareness Month, advocacy groups have shifted the language to Autism Acceptance Month to cultivate acceptance and advocate for change that allows individuals with Autism to receive support and opportunities without barriers.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has referred to the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month since 2011 to illustrate that accepting autism as a natural condition is essential for real dialogue and actionable change. ASAN states that “autism acceptance emphasizes that autistic people belong — that we deserve welcoming communities, inclusive schools and workplaces, and equal opportunities.”
Community Support and Celebration
As our communities shift from awareness and education to acceptance and celebration, the Autistic community may be better represented, celebrated, and provided the support and opportunities to live fully and fulfill the unique hopes and dreams we all hold.
The Autism Society of America says that “acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. And by everyone, we mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you.”
Guest Posts for Autism Acceptance Month
This month at Time Timer, we are celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with guest posts from a child and family psychologist, behavioral specialist, registered dietitian nutritionist, and a mom to a son with autism to highlight the ways in which the community at large can offer more support to and celebration of individuals with Autism.
Resources
In the meantime, we recommend checking out these resources to learn more about how you can get involved:
- The Autistic Self Advocacy Network: a nonprofit organization dedicated to spaces created by and for the autistic community, is working to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAD believes that “the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities”
- The Autism Society: an organization that strives to empower individuals who experience autism and their families to make informed decisions in choosing and accessing services that best meet their individual needs.
- Autism Speaks: an advocacy and education organization focusing attention on autism research, and assisting families and children with autism.
Stayed tuned throughout April for our guest posts!