Support on the spectrum
April marks the start of autism acceptance month, a time dedicated to spreading understanding, inclusivity, and support for people on the spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that impacts a person’s neurological development; it influences social, learning, communicative, and behavioral challenges. There is often a stigma around this condition that affects neurotypical people’s perspective on their capabilities and proficiency. While autism isn’t something that can be cured, each person’s experience living with this is unique and it can often be seen as a superpower.
ASD has many different symptoms and severities. ASD can also be an umbrella for Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder, which are agreed to be caused by differences in the brain, like genetic conditions. However, scientists agree that multiple causes of ASD act together to affect the way that individuals develop.
“I remember growing up I couldn’t really grasp social cues and stuff that you’re “supposed” to do. It wasn’t confusing though; instead, I learned to observe people and do what they did. That’s called masking. I was also easily overwhelmed by loud noises and large groups of people. Although adults around me just labeled it as tantrums. It wasn’t until my diagnosis that it all made sense. I mean, I still get overstimulated by the same things,” said anonymous Deerfield Beach High School junior. Boys are four times more likely to get diagnosed with autism which makes it harder for girls with autism to get recognized.
Although there is still a lot more to be learned about ASD and the things that led to its discovery, the Autism Society held the first-ever autism awareness month in 1970, which proved to be successful. The United Nations General Assembly followed its lead in 2007 and started a World Autism Awareness Day that is celebrated on April 2nd.
It wasn’t always dubbed “Autism Acceptance Month”; in 2021, it was considered Autism Awareness Month. But it was then changed as requested by Christopher Banks, president and CEO of The Autism Society of America. He claimed that awareness is just knowing about the existence of autism while acceptance is spreading the goal of being inclusive.
For those wondering how they can help develop and connect to this community, donating to places like The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), a non-profit organization run by autistic people, for autistic people, and The Autism Society of America, a small foundation formed by parents with children who have ASD, will point to the right direction.
It’s important to recognize that while awareness is critical, acceptance goes beyond just being that. Acceptance means embracing those with ASD and recognizing that each individual, regardless of their differences, deserves respect. It’s about supporting those with ASD rather than adding to the stigma that alienates those with the disorder, especially with social aspects.
“I really appreciate the supportive community now, but it wasn’t always this friendly. I was always masking growing up but became friends with people who weren’t. In fact, they would become my best friends. Seeing how people treated them socially wasn’t the nicest thing to see. I get that some people are oblivious to it, but calling someone stupid or an airhead for not understanding sarcasm or stimming in their own way or not making eye contact is hurtful. I just hope people think about that more often,” as continued by DBHS junior. Many people with ASD have endured mocking and bullying due to misunderstandings. Promoting autism acceptance month allows this to be avoided.
April helps create a higher level of understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. But it is also important to keep in mind that autism awareness is something that people should consciously take part in during the rest of the year. Society should continue to work towards becoming more accepting. To become a place where everyone feels included, no matter what differences they might have.
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