April is Autism Acceptance Month, which is a time to raise awareness and promote understanding and inclusion of autistic individuals. This month is an opportunity for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and friends to celebrate and honor the unique strengths and contributions of individuals with autism.
As families that are part of the autism community, there are many ways to get involved and celebrate Autism Acceptance Month that go beyond wearing blue, joining a team in a walk or donating to a favorite organization.
- Share Information with Other Students
The first step to promoting autism acceptance is to educate yourself and others. Spread the word about Autism Acceptance Month by sharing information with your classmates, teachers, and community members. Many of your child’s friends may not even realize the significance of this month.
Right now, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That statistic tells us that children will almost definitely be in an environment with a child on the autism spectrum at some point. Neurotypical children can learn about and understand autism so they can accept and include neurodivergent peers.
Take time this month to educate parents and children who are in your child’s life about how their brains operate differently, and all the strengths each can bring to the table.
- Share Books By or About Autistic Individuals
A great way to educate others about autism is through books. There are a vast amount of books to check out featuring a character on the autism spectrum. Some of our favorites are:
- The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca
- A Friend For Henry by Jenn Bailey
- All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
- A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold
- Frankie and Amelia by Cammie McGovern
Sharing a book is a simple, low pressure way to invite a friend to gain more understanding of autism and enable them to interact with a neurodiverse peer more successfully.
Books written by individuals with autism, giving their lived experience, can offer a perspective that builds understanding for both neurotypical and neurodiverse readers.
Some of these first-hand accounts are:
- The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida
- Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robinson
- Thinking in Pictures by Dr. Temple Grandin
- Learn the History of Autism
As a family member of a loved one on the autism spectrum, investing time into learning the history of autism spectrum disorder is both useful and a chance to show your own commitment to the autism community. Often, it is the family members of someone with ASD who acts as an advocate for those with little experience with an autistic individual.
Since the initial diagnosis in 1938, our knowledge of autism and all of its presentations has advanced incredibly, and research on further treatments, therapies, and understanding is constantly underway. The more we know, the more we can educate others.
- Show Kindness To Others
The easiest yet most effective way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month is to spread kindness throughout the month, and all through the year for that matter.
Individuals with autism often face discrimination, bullying, and social isolation. You can promote autism acceptance by showing empathy. Be a friend to someone with autism, listen to their stories, and offer support and understanding. Make the world a more positive place to be a part of.
Autism Acceptance Month is a time to celebrate and honor those on the autism spectrum. Let’s work together to promote autism acceptance and create a more inclusive and compassionate world. As always, reach out to Gersh Academy at Cougar Mountain with any questions and concerns, and share with us how you are celebrating this month!
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