April is Autism Acceptance Month, which brings feelings of joy and celebration. But more importantly, this month highlights acceptance and inclusiveness. Many folks in the Autistic community felt that the former title, “Autism Awareness Month” was othering. It’s as though society needed to be “aware” of a problem and fix it. This is not so!
By changing the name and the perception of Autism, neurodiverse people are more empowered to self-advocate. They are more likely to involve themselves in policy and change. They can feel supported and are better understood.
Acceptance means:
- including the Autistic community in everyday life and ensuring that people have an everyday life.
- respecting the different ways of thinking and communicating
- supporting sensory needs, such as a quiet space or a flexible area to work/learn
- seeing Autism as a part of someone’s identity, not something that needs to be fixed or corrected, but rather embraced
- challenging misinformation or stereotypes when you see or hear them
- calling out harmful or ableist behavior and language
The Time is Now to Hear Autistic Voices
Acceptance means truly listening to Autistic people.
For many years, decisions about Autism were made without input. Now, Autistic self-advocates lead many organizations to share their lived experiences. They are equipped to make change.
Listening to neurodiverse voices helps create better policies, better school programs and workplaces. Listening to Autistic people builds stronger communities with allies. Autistic people’s rights must be guaranteed and protected!
Simple Ways to Show Acceptance and Be an Autistic Ally
Anyone and everyone can be an Autistic ally. An Autistic ally is someone who stands up for and supports the Autistic people around them. Being an ally is not only learning about neurodiverse minds or having awareness. Instead, it is about being proactive and doing what you can to combat the stigma Autism may have, fight against exclusion, and help battle discrimination Autistic people face.
As an Autistic ally, you not only listen to neurodiverse voices but also amplify them. You are welcoming by including Autistic people in community events and social activities. You are using language that respects the Autistic community. You are validating Autistic people’s feelings and shared experiences. You are joining conversations about equity and justice for neurodiversity.
Resources for the Autistic Community and Allies
Below are organizations that advocate Autism acceptance and give helpful insights:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit run by Autistic folks. This site offers advocacy, toolkits, and resources.
Autism Society of America provides education, community programs, and support services across the US.
The Arc of Pennsylvania focuses on inclusion, disability rights, and equal access to education and employment
National Institute of Mental Health shares research-based information about Autism and support needs
Sesame Workshop: See Amazing in All Children offers digestible materials that promote kindness and inclusion
Read Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month HERE. Did you know? Gov. Shapiro recently signed 3 new Executive Orders for protections for people with Disabilities and Autism. You can read more about this HERE.
Identity-First Language
You may have noticed identity-first language in this blog instead of people-first language. When consulting both Reframing Autism and ASAN, an essay by Lydia Brown argues that many people in the Autistic community prefer to be addressed, recognized, or referred to as “Autistic.” This is one perspective of many. Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC) also wrote about identity-first language recently. Here at Values Into Action, we generally use people-first language, but we always defer to the person’s preference. Being respectful of how a person identifies is very important to us. When in doubt, ask questions. Being curious about a self-advocate’s preference while treating people fairly and justly is what we work toward every day!
Values Into Action and Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month is about more than learning facts. At Values Into Action, it is about strengthening a culture of respect and inclusion. It is about making real changes so Autistic people can thrive at school or work and within the community. When we choose acceptance, we ensure our commitment to partnership, self-direction, and empowerment.