Ways to Keep Autism Awareness Throughout the Year

For the fourteenth year in a row, during April, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was brought to international light to spread understanding and awareness of this diagnosis that affects more than 3.5 million Americans and about 1% of the entire world population.

It is safe to say that most of us know someone affected by ASD, and a better understanding helps create systems of acceptance and support worldwide. Spreading awareness about autism doesn’t just have to be during the month of April, and practicing proactive acceptance through the year is one of the best ways we can support our ASD community.

Simple ways to join in and “Light It Up Blue” can include questioning your assumptions, researching for better understanding, donating to a fundraiser or participating in advocacy.

Ways to Keep Autism Awareness Throughout the Year

Grab a book! A simple search of authors with autism will produce lists of great literature to read. From personal life experiences with autism to fiction and books on all kinds of topics, what better way to understand than to read someone’s stories? Check out this list here.

Watch your language. The way we speak about things matters. When it comes to using proper language about autism, avoid polarizing phrases like ‘low/high functioning’ and instead practice true allyship by celebrating the neurodiversity of those on the spectrum.

Have a conversation. We can also teach our children what it means to create acceptance by introducing our families to videos featuring children with autism and have open discussions about how we can help and learn inclusiveness and kindness.

As a community together, let’s do our part in the practice of autism awareness and acceptance all throughout the year.

Sarah Thompson, Donor and Stewardship Specialist, Allies In Caring, Inc.