April is Autism Acceptance Month, and since I have autism, I would like to discuss how important it is. Autism Acceptance Month is a time where people with and without autism raise autism awareness for everyone, as well as its signs, realities and symptoms. Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a series of conditions that involve repetitive behaviors and speech, nonverbal communication, and difficulties with social skills.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 44 children are identified as having autism. More than 2% of adults in the United States of America are estimated to have this disability. The Autism Society has discovered that the commonness of autism in America has grown from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 54 in 2020.
In 1970, the Autism Society set in motion an ongoing worldwide effort to raise awareness of this disability and ensure those who have it live positive lives. Two years later, the Autism Society founded the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which led to Autism Acceptance Month. This used to be called Autism Awareness Month.
April 2 became World Autism Awareness Day in 2008, courtesy of the United Nations General Assembly. April 2 was also proclaimed Autism Awareness Day in 2022.
Not only are people with autism looking for acceptance in their communities and workplaces, but people are placing emphasis on educational and social programs, which are essential to improving possibilities of those with autism. People believe that creating inclusive environments and connecting people with autism to others can help them live better lives.
When I was growing up in the 1990s, I didn’t know I had autism. When I was a little boy, people with autism were hardly noticed, but people, including myself, became more aware of it over time.
In the late 2000s, I learned that I was autistic. As I grew up, I learned that having autism can be overwhelming, but it can also be a useful asset. For example, autism can help some people see things in minute detail. They can also easily process information well, are very organized, and can be very accepting. Some people with autism can also be creative.
As time passed, I came to realize that I could channel my autism into doing wonderful things for myself and other people. For example, I thought of making public places like theaters and medical offices more autism-friendly. I also wrote stories that included characters with autism and other disabilities, because diversity is what brings our world together. In addition, I know plenty of people with autism, especially many friends and mentors.
Connecting with autistic people and learning about them can help raise the bar for neurodiversity. Autism is one of the most noteworthy disabilities. Autism Acceptance Month is a stepping stone to creating an inclusive community, as well as a bright new future for people with autism.