3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month! What does that mean? April used to be referred to as Autism Awareness Month. But as the years went on, the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) community felt that plenty of people were “aware” of ASD and that what the country really needed was Autism Acceptance.

I recently saw a quote that said:

“Awareness means you know I’m here; Acceptance means you are happy to see me.”

I think that is a great way to differentiate what this means. So how can we be more accepting in how we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month?

Autism Acceptance Month: 3 Ways to Celebrate and Show Support

1. Learn More About ASD

I would confidently say most people in the US know someone with ASD. However, there are still widespread misconceptions of what ASD really looks like.

ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that people affected by this disorder can present very differently from one another. There is misinformation surrounding things like Savant syndrome (the ability to be extremely talented in one area with little to no training or instruction), which only actually affects 3% of the ASD population.

I challenge you to seek out credible sources and do your own research on ASD this month to not only be aware but also be accepting of individuals on the spectrum.

2. Confront Bias

Ableism is something that is not talked about in the media as other types of discrimination, but it is just as present. Ableism can be seen with ASD in the way we see or talk about individuals on the Spectrum.

By being impatient with someone who is overwhelmed in the store. By silently judging someone in public wearing visible headphones. Or by saying “those kids are so cute” when someone brings up ASD.

These are things that may be subconscious, but it is important to do a self-inventory and see how we may be holding ableist views. 

3. Support People with Autism

There are lots of ways to support individuals with ASD during April and all the time! First, try to be understanding of strangers. ASD is not something you can always see by looking at someone, so do your best to be patient with someone whose story you don’t know.

Also, making environments as sensory-friendly as possible. If you know someone with ASD or if people with ASD may be entering your business or place of work, try to be accommodating. For example, putting lights on a dimmer, offering music to be played in a waiting room instead of assuming it is comforting for everyone, not using strong smelling air fresheners.

Helpful Resources to Support Autism Acceptance Month

If you want to learn more about ASD, there are great resources at the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Embracing Autism. We have come so far in Cenla with resources for individuals with ASD and their families, but we still have far to go.

For families of autistic individuals looking for support services, reach out to our local human services district, Caring Choices, and speak to the office of Developmental Disabilities to see what state-run services you may qualify for at no cost to you. There are also several local non-profits that run Respite Care Nights, such as Broomtree and Calvary Baptist Church.

If you are navigating your own Autism diagnosis or are supporting a loved one with ASD, self-care is so important, as well as taking the opportunity to process emotions surrounding ASD. At Be Inspired Counseling, we would love to help support you!

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