World Autism Day and Autism Awareness Month is a world-wide annual celebration, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and neurodivergence in general.
World Autism Day is celebrated on April 2nd each year, as designated by the United Nations. This year, April 2, 2022 marks the 15th annual World Autism Day!
How to Show Support for Autism Awareness
You can show support on World Autism Day and throughout Autism Awareness Month by posting about autism on social media, wearing blue for autism on World Autism Day (April 2nd), celebrating neurodiversity at local events, and listening to the stories of neurodiverse individuals.
Choosing to educate yourself about the autism spectrum and neurodivergent community is a fantastic show of support. Educated and empathetic individuals can in turn educate others in their local communities and social groups. Sharing your knowledge can contribute to a culture of acceptance and understanding, and positively influence those around you.
You can also opt to join the Autism Speaks Kindness Campaign, and invite your friends, family, colleagues to do the same. The Kindness Campaign encourages acceptance, understanding and inclusion with daily acts of kindness at school, work or in your community. Together, with a little effort and kindness, we can create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.
Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance – They’re Both Important!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It’s likely that most of us know autism spectrum individuals in our schools, work environments, friend groups, and neighborhoods – and may not even be aware of it. Chances are, you are close to someone who is on the autism spectrum or are connected to someone who is – and they will appreciate your tolerance and support.
While increasing awareness for the autism spectrum community is indeed incredibly important – it’s important to note that it’s just the starting point. Facilitating autism acceptance on a broad, global scale is the ultimate goal of autism awareness efforts.
Autism Awareness Activities and Events
There are countless events all across the U.S. that celebrate autism awareness month. The Autism Society website is a great place to get started. Their website shares information on current events in several regional chapters all across the country, as well as resources for parents and families of autistic individuals and autism advocates.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the Autism Speaks website, and view events for your local chapter. Additionally, many of your favorite family places may be hosting special autism awareness events and celebrations you can join. Check out the websites of local children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, community centers, book store or anywhere else you like to do family activities. Don’t forget to check the website of the county or city you live in, too. Many cities, towns and counties choose to put on special events to celebrate autism awareness month!
However you choose to celebrate this year, we would love to see what Autism Awareness Month means to you! Please share your photos and stories with us by tagging @ChanceLightEdu on Twitter.
