Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month is a month dedicated to promoting inclusion and to breaking down the harmful misconceptions that are associated with autism. In contrast to Autism Awareness Month, which is also widely recognized, Autism Acceptance Month was created by and for the autistic community to change the conversation surrounding autism and to move it from stigmatic “autism awareness” language that presents autism as a threat to be countered with “acceptance” language that emphasizes the inherent value of autistic people as members of our society and prioritizes inclusion and belonging for autistic individuals.

Throughout this month, advocacy organizations will share stories and provide opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of autistic people. The goal will be to generate deeper knowledge of autism and support for autistic and neurodiverse people.

What is Autism?

According to the Autism Self Advocacy Network, "Autism is a developmental disability that affects how we experience the world around us. Autistic people are an important part of the world. Autism is a normal part of life, and makes us who we are.

Autism has always existed. Autistic people are born autistic and we will be autistic our whole lives. Autism can be diagnosed by a doctor, but you can be autistic even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis. Because of myths about autism, it can be harder for autistic adults, autistic girls, and autistic people of color to get a diagnosis. But anyone can be autistic, regardless of race, gender, or age.

Autistic people are in every community, and we always have been. Autistic people are people of color. Autistic people are immigrants. Autistic people are a part of every religion, every income level, and every age group. Autistic people are women. Autistic people are queer, and autistic people are trans. Autistic people are often many of these things at once. The communities we are a part of and the ways we are treated shape what autism is like for us."

Some things that many autistic people have in common are:

• "We think differently"
• "We process our senses differently"
• "We move differently"
• "We communicate differently"
• "We socialize differently"
• "We might need help with daily living"

However, the most important thing that they note is that not every autistic person will relate to all of these. As they say in the article linked below, “There are lots of different ways to be autistic.”

Learn more about Autism by visiting ASAN’s “About Autism” page.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but is frequently used in the context of autism and other neurological or developmental conditions. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 90s and is aimed at increasing acceptance and inclusion of all people by embracing neurological differences.

Learn more about how you can make the workplace more inclusive for neurodiverse people by visiting the Neurodiversity section on the UMass President's Office Inclusive By Design website.

Interested in learning more about Autism?

Visit the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s website to learn more. The ASAN is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people that fights for disability rights, inclusion and policy.