The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Imagine turning a volume button on a radio with the level of severity increasing with each notch: this is “the spectrum.” Data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network indicate that one in 36 eight-year-olds were identified as being on the autism spectrum in 2020 based on 11 different counties in the United States — and that this complex condition affects one in every 54 children in the United States.
At this rate, you would have to be living under a rock if you are unaware that ASD exists! Today, family members may say that a person is “one in 54” instead of using the actual acronym ASD, or the words “autism” and/or, “on the spectrum.” This is a testament of how aware of ASD our society has become. However, what is our acceptance level when it comes to this “disability”? Are we only aware enough to — at times — recognize those with this disability? Or do we desire to understand, embrace, and support all individuals under the ASD umbrella?
The Autism Society coined National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972, and that recognition blossomed into Autism Awareness Month. To initiate acceptance and spark change, in 2021, Autism Awareness Month was reborn as Autism Acceptance Month. With approximately 70 million recognized cases of autism worldwide, it is generally recognized as the fastest-growing developmental disorder. The increasing occurrences of autism in the United States is a telltale sign that the general public needs to be educated on the disorder to inspire change and support. This month reminds us to be empathetic, warm, and welcoming to autistic individuals and families around us. One must accept autism with love. It’s growing too fast to ignore it! Learning about signs and symptoms of autism allows implementation of early intervention and therapy, which, in turn, can improve the individual’s quality of life.
For some, the difficulties of autism don’t hit home until it happens to them. How aware and accepting are you of individuals with this disability? Autism Together, an organization that aims to assist and support the autistic population, reminds us that autism isn’t a disability that’s broadcasted on the forehead. It’s hidden! Autism cannot be confirmed by the way someone looks nor will two autistic people be identically affected. If you are unsure of where on the spectrum your knowledge base is about “the spectrum”, then take the How Aware Are You? quiz. Find out how acclimated you are with identifying this disability while gaining knowledge of the other ASD aspects you should know more about.
After taking the quiz, celebrate autism awareness and acceptance through one or all in the following ways:
- Question your assumptions about autism. Articles like this one challenge us to rethink long-held assumptions about the lived experiences of autistic children and adults.
- Read autism books to your children.
- Learn about and from self-advocates with ASD here (scroll down for the self-advocacy section). Listen to people with autism, and, when appropriate, amplify their messages.
- Donate to autism awareness organizations.
- Strive to better understand how some people with autism experience meltdowns.
- Attend, create, or volunteer at an event that is sensory-friendly and accepting of people with autism.
- Check out the Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Library for some new reading material.
- Examine your vocabulary and consider avoiding terms like ‘low-functioning,’ which are often viewed derogatively.
- Learn from some great online modules. Autism Internet Modules are excellent and free.
- Advocate for increased opportunities in supported employment.
- Celebrate someone with autism or an agency/program that serves them well. Show your gratitude for their presence and/or the fine work they do.
Welcome to Holland — An Inspirational Poem personifies accepting the unexpected when discovering that your child is on the spectrum. It synonymizes preparing for a trip to Italy to the wonderful plans parents tend to make for their unborn child(ren). When it’s discovered that the child is on the spectrum, the poem compares this revelation to being stuck in a place you had not planned to vacation in, Holland. The dreams of this wonderful trip to Italy, have been shattered. However, the journey can still be a pleasant one with acceptance and adjustments. With the love that transcends from them to the child, parents are obliged to accept that they must wear a sweater during their summer trip in Holland although they made no plans to dress for cooler weather. They will later discover that Holland is not so bad.
Acceptance is key.