April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to spread knowledge and understanding about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the struggles faced by those living with it. This month, we are raising awareness of autism and celebrating the acceptance of people with ASD.
Autism is a complex neurological disorder that impacts how people communicate, relate to others, and behave. Autism affects 1 in 54 children in the United States alone. Let us guide you through what you need to know about autism awareness month and how to celebrate it!
When Is Autism Awareness Month?
April is Autism Awareness Month, with World Autism Day falling on April 2nd each year. During this month, organizations, communities, and individuals come together to spread awareness of autism and celebrate the diversity it brings. This year, the theme for World Autism Awareness Day is “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts, and in policymaking.”
Autism Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to increase knowledge about autism. While offering assistance and support should be a year-round objective, utilizing a month to celebrate and educate is an effective way to share important information with loved ones and potentially gain new allies for children with autism.
Autism Acceptance vs. Awareness
It’s important to note that there is a big difference between autism awareness and acceptance. Awareness means understanding the facts about ASD and recognizing its prevalence.
On the other hand, acceptance means embracing individuals with ASD as they are without judgment or prejudice. This month, we want to create an environment where those living with autism can reach their full potential without feeling ostracized or inadequate.
How to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
There are many ways to celebrate Autism Awareness Day, and any effort made is valuable. Familiarizing yourself with common global practices can provide ideas for how to participate in the cause; some allies do:
- Educate yourself about ASD: To promote autism acceptance and facilitate positive change, it’s crucial to stay updated with accurate information and best practices. Keeping your loved ones and support group informed is an effective way to demonstrate your support.
- Attend or support autism-friendly events: Participating in virtual or in-person events is a great way to show your support for the autism community. Whether it’s a benefit concert, walkathon, or autism-friendly film screening, any effort to unite people is meaningful.
- Spread the word: Sharing your knowledge and experience is an invaluable way to spread awareness. Talk to your friends and family about autism, create social media posts, or start a blog!
- Wear or display the infinity symbol: The Infinity Symbol is commonly used to represent the diversity of the autism spectrum. It is often depicted in rainbow or gold, and there are many popular accessories such as ribbons, banners, stickers, and digital widgets.
Help Support Autism Awareness
Whether you are living with autism or know someone who is, Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity to show your commitment and spread knowledge. Let’s come together to increase acceptance of autism and celebrate the individuals and families in our lives! With the right amount of understanding and support, we can create a brighter future for those impacted by ASD.
At BM Behavioral Center, we are proud to contribute to the autism awareness and acceptance movement. Our experienced Health Care Professionals team is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care for each client. To learn more about our ABA services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!