As we recognized April as autism acceptance month, let’s celebrate our differences
April has traditionally been dedicated to spreading awareness, promoting change and recognizing those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the people who love and support them.
This customary celebration often includes social events for those with autism, autism-oriented fundraisers and grassroots campaigns to educate the public. Until recently, this observation was coined Autism Awareness Month. Now, the Autism Society of America and other national leading disability organizations are calling for a shift from “awareness” to “acceptance.”
There will always be a great need to spread awareness about autism and to share the stories of those living with this common disorder, but advocates and individuals from the autism community believe the change in language will make a positive difference in their movement.
Many people don’t entirely understand autism or the life-long hardships facing those on the autistic spectrum. In industries ranging from healthcare to employment, a lack of tolerance has unfairly formed social hurdles limiting the autistic community.
The need for acceptance is greater than ever to clear these hurdles. An emphasis on acceptance will pave the way for improved support and opportunities autistic individuals in all walks of life. This could be a defining step toward tearing down barriers that have historically hindered the community. Advocates have long used the term “acceptance” as a way to integrate the millions of Americans living with autism into our social society.
The Administration for Community Living, Association of University Centers on Disabilities and the Autistic Women and Non-Binary Network are among a growing list of well-known organizations that have adopted the phrase Autism Acceptance Month this April.
The Autism Society is leading the call for federal and global lawmakers to formally change the name of this annual month-long dedication. In addition, the organization recently launched its “Celebrate Differences” campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the signs, symptoms and realities of autism. #CelebrateDifferences will provide information and resources to communities to help propagate inclusivity and acceptance of those with autism.
The campaign also empowers individuals with autism and their families to live fulfilled and quality lives through connections and acceptance. As part of this campaign, The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region is challenging its audience to share photos of themselves doing a favorite activity, in an effort to promote acceptance.
Rates of Autism has drastically risen in recent years. In 2010, 1 in 125 children had autism, and in 2021 the rate has spiked to 1 in 54 children. As these numbers continue to rise, we should do our part to educate ourselves and to help spread awareness to others in our community. With greater awareness comes greater acceptance.
As our state continues to move toward a path of re-opening, I’m looking forward to being able to host #ThinkDIFFERENTLY events this summer to create sensoryfriendly events that individuals of all abilities can enjoy.
Through the remainder of April and on, I encourage you participate in the #CelebrateDifferences campaign and hope you’ll all be more accepting of everyone you meet.
Assemblywoman Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Saratoga and Schenectady counties. For more information, please visit Assemblywoman Walsh’s Official Website.