World Autism Day (April 2nd)
FEATURED
The United Nation's World Autism Awareness Day falls on April 2nd each year. It serves to encourage awareness, understanding, and advocacy for autistic individuals.
Many people prefer to celebrate the day as World Autism Acceptance Day or World Autism Understanding Day as the day is about more than promoting awareness. It's also completely valid to not celebrate the day and instead focus on the ongoing meaningful acceptance and support of Autistic individuals. Or if you're autistic yourself, it's important to do what works for you during this time, to take care of yourself, and to seek support if you need it.
It's important to recognise that being an Autistic Ally isn't just about having an awareness of Autism, but also striving for genuine understanding of the diverse experience of autistic people and learning how to help support them. It can be helpful to remember that a big part of allyship involves listening to and amplifying the voices of the community you are supporting.
More services and resources to check out:
Over to you! If you're autistic, we would love to hear any thoughts or reflections you might have about today, or even about what support you do find helpful. We hope this community is a safe space for you to express yourself and find support and connection
Comments
Hello OC!
So sorry for jumping a little late on this 😅
As @The-ADJ-System said, it is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month; indeed a very important month. World Autism Day is also just as significant ☺️
Being a late diagnosed autistic person, Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and World Autism Day are very important to me, as it is for many others.
The awareness of Autism in society, particularly how it presents in AFAB folk and how many of us end up being late diagnosed, is so important. The more awareness there is, the sooner we can identify it in AFAB folk, and the sooner we can receive the right support. I know for myself, if I had of been diagnosed sooner, I would have flourished! It is exhausting however having to educate people frequently about my autism, because many people don't understand it or their understanding is based on harmful stereotypes.
The acceptance aspect is also just as important. Having others accept us unconditionally for who we are, and being respectful and accommodating of our needs, allows us to thrive! I feel it is also important that we also have self acceptance. I know when first receiving a diagnosis, it can bring up so many complex feelings, and it can take time to accept everything.
April is actually Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, so not only do we get this day but we also get a whole month.
I wore red and gold yesterday in my hair as an Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day thing.
I think that the awareness part and the acceptance part are both important. Most people have heard the word 'autism' or 'autistic', but don't know what it really means. That's why we need more awareness. We need more acceptance so autistic people can get they accomodations they need, and not be judged or bullied for their autism. But we need awareness to have acceptance.
