Autism Awareness Month

Advanced research into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) this century has led to much progress and advancement. This research has resulted in better early identification and screening tools, more accurate diagnoses and a further refining of treatment programs such as applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy).

Thanks to the work of many advocacy organizations, a lot of progress has also been made in spreading awareness about ASD, which has resulted in greater acceptance and inclusion of people who are on the autism spectrum.

Every year, National Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Month are celebrated in April. The celebration kicks off every year on April 2, which is World Autism Awareness Day, an event that’s sanctioned by the United Nations.

Here are some more details about Autism Awareness Month as well as the importance of spreading awareness about ASD.

Table Of Contents

What is Autism Awareness Month?

Celebrated every April, Autism Awareness Month is held to spread accurate information and awareness about ASD.

Despite the immense amount of research and knowledge that we have gained about autism recently, there are still plenty of misconceptions about the neurodevelopmental disorder. This often results in people on the autism spectrum being excluded or treated as different.

The goal of Autism Awareness Month is to educate more people about autism — not just how it negatively affects people who have it, but also the amazing strengths, skills and positive characteristics they have.

Autism Speaks is one of the national organizations that leads the push during Autism Awareness Month, and it encourages people to join in their efforts and to “act fearlessly for change.”

How Can You Participate in Autism Awareness Month?

There are many ways that you can participate in Autism Awareness Month, whether it’s through specific activities and events, or by more generally helping to spread awareness.

Autism Speaks suggests many different ways you can participate in its mission, including …

• Pledging: The organization asks people to take a pledge that you support autism awareness and people who have ASD. One way they say you can do so is by spreading the word on social media by using the hashtag #actfearlesslyforchange.
• Advocating: You can directly advocate for autism research, funding and support by contacting local political representatives. Just last year, the work done by advocates in this way helped to convince Congress to reauthorize the Autism Cares Act for another five years, through 2029.
• Fundraising: You can help support the efforts of Autism Speaks and other organizations by raising money. Autism Speaks has a 36-mile fundraising challenge, which represents the one in 36 children who are diagnosed with ASD. There are many other ways you can help raise money, too.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can get involved.

Why is Autism Awareness Month So Important?

Autism Awareness Month is the most recognizable official push for autism awareness, education and knowledge. Along with other efforts that are made throughout the year, it seeks to unite people to fight for a common cause — in this instance, advocating for continued support of people who have autism and their families.

The event, as well as autism advocacy in general, is so critical to people who have been diagnosed with ASD and those who will be diagnosed with the disorder in the future.

It works to ensure that people on the autism spectrum have rights. The autism community often gets overlooked in terms of legislation and services. Advocacy helps to keep the community front-of-mind so they can get the support they need.

Advocacy also contributes to additional research into autism, which can lead to many advancements in understanding, diagnosis and treatment. The money that’s raised during Autism Awareness Month, for instance, can go toward studies that might lead to discoveries such as the exact risk factors for autism, which could help reduce the rate of autism prevalence.

This awareness leads to more general acceptance and inclusion of people who have autism, which can result in people with ASD getting more opportunities for equal schooling and jobs.

Finally, Autism Awareness Month and other efforts like it can help to grow a community for individuals with autism so they can get support from their peers who understand what they’re going through.

Blue Gems ABA Believes Strongly in the Power of Autism Awareness

Autism Awareness Month is an important time to help spread awareness and promote inclusion and acceptance of people with ASD. But, this is not something that should be done just once a year.

At Blue Gems ABA, we believe wholeheartedly in being advocates for individuals with autism and their families. We are always working hard to spread awareness and knowledge, and clear up the misconceptions about ASD and the stigmas associated with it.

To learn more, please contact us today.