Neurodivergent Space

By: ND-Space.

April is recognized as World Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Autism Society of America first proposed Autism Awareness Month in 1970, and it has since evolved into a global initiative. April 2nd is also marked as World Autism Awareness Day. 

Now, as October approaches—six months from the last April and six months to the next—it’s a good time to reflect on Autism Awareness Month.

First I’ll discuss the typical events hosted in the autism awareness month, then the shift from “awareness” to “acceptance”, and finally start a wish list from the community.

Autism Awareness Month Events

Autism Awareness Month in April typically includes various events designed to raise awareness and support for the autistic community. Some of these events include:

Walks and Fundraising Runs: Many organizations host autism awareness walks or runs to raise funds for autism research, services, and advocacy efforts. These events bring communities together, helping raise both awareness and resources for important causes.

Light It Up Blue Campaign: On April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day, landmarks, buildings, and homes are illuminated with blue lights to show solidarity and support for autism awareness.

Conferences and Expert Panels: Educational conferences and expert panel discussions are held to highlight the latest research, therapies, and advocacy for autism. These events bring together professionals, families, and autistic individuals to share insights and progress in the field of autism.

Community Events and Resource Fairs: Local autism organizations, schools, and advocacy groups often host community fairs, providing resources and activities for families with autistic members. These events are family-friendly and offer a chance to learn more about autism while engaging in fun, supportive environments.

Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings: Many theaters host sensory-friendly movie screenings where sound levels are lower, lights are dimmed, and the environment is adapted to be comfortable for autistic individuals who might otherwise find a typical movie theater overwhelming.

Workshops and Training Sessions: Training programs and workshops are organized for parents, teachers, and professionals to learn how to better support and understand autistic individuals in educational settings and workplaces.

Social Media Campaigns: Online campaigns using hashtags like #AutismAwareness and #AutismAcceptance allow people to share their stories, experiences, and facts about autism. These campaigns help spread autism awareness globally, reaching people who may not have direct contact with the autistic community.

Art Exhibits and Talent Showcases: Various events showcasing the art, music, and talents of autistic individuals are held to highlight the creativity and unique skills within the community. These exhibits allow autistic people to express themselves and show the world what they can achieve.

All of these events serve a purpose in raising awareness, building understanding, and celebrating the strengths and contributions of autistic people.

The Shift from Awareness to Acceptance

The difference between awareness and acceptance is crucial. Awareness can be passive; it’s about knowing autism exists. Autism acceptance goes beyond simply acknowledging that autism exists; it’s about understanding the lived experiences of autistic people and embracing neurodiversity. For the autism community, this shift is essential. Rather than trying to fit autistic individuals into neurotypical molds, society should learn to accept and accommodate our differences.

One powerful visual that expresses this concept is a drawing by GL0riouz@Reddit. In the illustration, people claim they “support autistic people,” but as soon as an autistic person exhibits a visible autistic trait—like stimming (repetitive movements used to self-soothe)—support dwindles. This is the problem with limiting the discussion to “awareness”: it doesn’t challenge society to truly embrace and support autistic individuals as they are. Acceptance means accepting all parts of us, not just the parts that fit into neurotypical expectations.

For example, stimming, a key behavior that helps many autistic people reduce anxiety, is often misunderstood. It may involve repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or humming, and is a natural and necessary way for autistic people to regulate emotions. Unfortunately, many therapies and social expectations seek to discourage or eliminate stimming because it doesn’t fit within neurotypical standards. Masking, or deliberately hiding autistic traits, has been shown to have a negative impact on long-term mental health. When autistic individuals are forced to suppress their natural behaviors in order to fit in, they often experience anxiety, depression, and burnout.

One problematic method is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a therapy that aims to modify behaviors deemed undesirable, such as stimming or avoiding eye contact. While ABA is widely used, many autistic individuals and advocates are critical of it because it often focuses on making autistic individuals conform to neurotypical norms rather than respecting their natural differences. The autism community seeks therapies that prioritize respect, dignity, and the well-being of the individual over behavior modification.

As Temple Grandin famously said, “Parents get so worried about the deficits that they don’t build up the strengths.” Grandin herself, who didn’t speak until she was three and a half, went on to become a renowned author and speaker on both autism and animal behavior. Her story is a reminder that focusing on strengths rather than deficits can lead to incredible achievements.

Another challenge is the lack of understanding around sensory issues. Sensory overload is a common experience for autistic individuals, but it’s hard for those who haven’t experienced it to fully understand. Certain sounds, like chewing and loud voices, can be physically painful. We’re not being difficult; our sensory systems are simply more sensitive, making everyday environments overwhelming.

Accommodating sensory needs is an important part of autism acceptance. Sensory-friendly spaces, events, and accommodations can make a significant difference in the quality of life for autistic individuals. Sensory-friendly movie screenings and sensory-friendly hours at museums or stores, for example, create inclusive environments where we can participate without being overwhelmed.

Progress and Criticism

Some progress has been made. 

President Joe Biden announced April 2, 2024, as the World Autism Acceptance Day.

A number of companies have created neurodiversity-dedicated hiring programs. For example, Microsoft’s Neurodiversity Hiring Program, Google’s Autism Career Program, and SAP’s Autism at Work Program are leading the way in promoting the hiring of autistic individuals. These programs recognize the unique skills and strengths that autistic people bring to the workforce, such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, and out-of-the-box thinking. More companies need to follow suit and create environments where autistic individuals can thrive professionally. In fact, there was “an epidemic of autism” in Silicon Valley (a special education teacher told Steve Silberman, who wrote an award-winning book about the history of autism). And, Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, two of Silicon Valley’s greatest visionaries, are suspected to be on the autism spectrum.

In contrast, many in the autism community criticize organizations such as Autism Speaks for their focus on “curing” autism or promoting therapies like ABA. The community advocates for supporting organizations like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), which is run by autistic people, for autistic people. Unlike Autism Speaks, ASAN focuses on self-advocacy, acceptance, and supporting the autistic community in ways that respect their rights and dignity.

Wish List from the Community

The autism community has its other hopes for Autism Awareness Month. Many wish for opportunities to work from home during the month (for those having jobs), allowing autistic individuals to unmask and stim freely without the pressure of conforming to neurotypical office environments. 

There is also frustration with April Fool’s Day pranks, which can be confusing and distressing. Some in the community wonder if another month, like Au(gust) or O(au)tober, might be a better time for Autism Acceptance Month.

If you have any additional items you’d like to add to the wish list, please include them in the comments section!

As we look ahead to next April, let’s remember that acceptance is what truly matters. Autism is not something to be feared or cured, but something to be understood, supported, and celebrated.