How to Observe Autism Acceptance in April

April is Autism Acceptance Month! Coping with stigma and lack of support can be tough on autistic people, and it often comes to a head in April. Show your support of autistic people online and in person with these easy steps.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Positive Campaigns

1
Always research an organization before participating in one of its events. Some autism-related organizations, such as Autism Speaks, promote harmful rhetoric that alienates and isolates autistic people. Always check to make sure that your participation will help, not hurt.
- Organizations run by autistic people are usually good.
- Organizations supported by the Autistic community are usually good.
- Searching for the keywords "______ controversy" can help you determine if autistic people protest the group's message.
2
Notice the way an organization or article speaks about autistic people. Autistic people can hear and read the things that are said about them. (Not even autistic children are always sheltered from it.^{[1]XResearch source}) Overly negative messages about autism can be extremely hurtful to autistic people of all ages.^{[2]XResearch source}^{[3]XResearch source} Avoid sharing or promoting any messages that...
- Use disaster rhetoric^{[4]XResearch source}
- Treat parents like martyrs
- Treat autistic children like monsters or victims of demonic possession
- Ignore or speak over autistic adults
- Claim that abusing or murdering autistic children is understandable^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceAustistic Self Advocacy NetworkNonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacyGo to source}^{[6]XResearch source}
- Say that autism needs to be eliminated
3
Use symbols as shortcuts. While symbols aren't always reliable indicators of a group's attitude, they can sometimes suggest how an organization views autistic people.
- Symbols associated with stigma: Puzzle pieces,^{[7]XResearch source}^{[8]XResearch source}^{[9]XResearch source} the color blue^{[10]XResearch source}^{[11]XResearch source}^{[12]XResearch source}^{[13]XResearch source}
- Symbols associated with acceptance: Red for #REDinstead,^{[14]XResearch source}^{[15]XResearch source} rainbow colors that suggest diversity, the neurodiversity symbol (a rainbow infinity sign)^{[16]XResearch source}
4
Keep in mind that your choice of campaigns matters. Unfortunately, autistic people are at greatly increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}^{[18]XResearch source}^{[19]XResearch source} This risk increases further when they feel that they can't be themselves.^{[20]XResearch source} Acceptance can reduce these problems and improve mental health.^{[21]XResearch source} Your goal should be to ease the burden on them, not to worsen it. You can make a difference for the people your words reach.
- One survey found that many autistic people find awareness campaigns harmful to their mental health.^{[22]XResearch source}
Tip: Keep in mind that anything you say about autism could be heard by autistic people, including autistics who have been mistreated or suffer from low self-esteem. Speaking kindly can help them feel welcomed and accepted.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Difference Online

1
Research what autistic people have to say. They can rid you of common misconceptions and teach you how to be a good ally. Not all people and organizations out there portray autism accurately, so it's beneficial to learn directly from the Autistic community.
- Many of How.com.vn's autism articles are written and edited by autistic people.
2
Spread the word. Tell people about Autism Acceptance Month via social networking or in person. Share links to autistic-run organizations, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Autism Women's Network.
3
Share articles written by autistic people. Autistic writers can offer great insights into their differences, their needs, and how life feels to them. Here are some examples of blogs run partially or completely by autistic people:
- The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism
- Musings of an Aspie
- The Caffeinated Autistic
- Real Social Skills
- Autistic Hoya
- Emma's Hope Book
- We Are Like Your Child
- Parenting Autistic Children with Love and Acceptance (may be overwhelming to people new to the conversation)
4
Share information about respecting autistic people. Many non-autistic people don't understand autism at all, and don't know how to be a good friend to an autistic person. A little information can help them understand how to be respectful and kind. Here are some examples of information that is useful to non-autistic people:
- Autistic people can be quirky and socially clueless. They don't always understand, but they usually mean well.
- Stimming (flapping hands, rocking, etc.) is a normal and healthy behavior. Don't treat people differently because of it, and definitely don't tell them to stop if they aren't hurting someone. This can be hurtful and damaging to them.
- Autistic adults are still adults. Give them the same respect that you give their same-age peers. They deserve love and respect, just like anyone else.
- Meltdowns aren't fun. Autistic people don't like them either.^{[23]XResearch source} Sometimes, the best meltdown cure is some quiet time alone.
- Autistic voices matter. Trust them to communicate their priorities, needs, preferences, and other things. When in doubt, ask.
5
Share positive stories about autism and autistic people. Many autistic people repeatedly hear that they're annoying, burdensome, or inferior. Portray an alternate picture of autism, in which autistic people are different but equal members of the human species. Give evidence that autistic people can succeed and live happy lives.
- Look for autistic writers, scientists, activists, etc. in news and entertainment articles. Look at what's trending in the #ActuallyAutistic tag on social media.
- Blogs such as Disability Fest and Disability In Kidlit share lovable characters in fiction who are disabled. Sharing cool autistic characters also helps.
- Knowing of other autistic people greatly improves autistic children's (and adults'!) self-esteem.
6
Promote amazing autistic people. Maybe you have an autistic friend who blogs, or maybe your autistic sibling really wants to share a quote with the world. Offer to promote them on social media.
- If you want to promote an autistic person you know in person, then ask if they're comfortable with being named as autistic online. Never out someone as autistic without their explicit permission.
7
Promote or participate in autistic-run campaigns. Autistic people have organized many different online community activities, and you are welcome to join in and show your support (whether you are autistic or not).
- Wear or decorate in red for #REDinstead.
- Make art to encourage autism acceptance.
- Take the autism acceptance pledge.
- Search autistic-run websites to see what they're sponsoring or participating in.
8
Consider spreading positive imagery. You can use red for #REDinstead, or put the neurodiversity symbol somewhere prominent. This can be encouraging for autistic people to see.
9
Try promoting or buying from an autistic business online. Autistic people run all kinds of businesses, from professional websites like Stimtastic to humble Etsy shops. Try looking at a few autistic-run shops and see if they're selling anything that interests you.
- There's no such thing as "cultural appropriation" when it comes to things related to autism. In fact, autistics have pointed out that when non-autistics buy and use products like stim toys or weighted blankets, they are helping de-stigmatize them and make them more affordable.^{[24]XResearch source}^{[25]XResearch source} So if you want to relax under a weighted blanket or play with a fidget toy, you're actually helping autistic people by making the world slightly more autistic-friendly.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Difference Offline

1
Consider donating to an autistic-run organization. Organizations run by autistic people can do a lot of good work: training people, teaching about autism acceptance, creating positive media, building community, and supporting autistic people and their families. Your money can help autistic people everywhere.
2
Consider having your school, club, company, or charity work with an autistic-run organization. This will help spread positive messages, end stigma, and boost autistic people's efforts (not to mention generating positive PR).
- Host a fundraiser for an autistic-friendly group, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network or the Autism Women and Nonbinary Network.
- Donate a percentage of sales to an autistic-run organization.
3
Treat autistic people with compassion and respect. Accept the fact that they are different, and appreciate them for who they are.
- If everyone did this, there would be no need for Autism Acceptance Month.
4
Consider making autistic friends. Autistic people in general are passionate, loyal, genuine, and funny. You may be surprised at what good friends they can be!
5
Give your autistic loved one(s) extra support, especially if they're old enough to see the news. Anti-autism campaigns can have damaging effects on autistic people's mental health. Coping with the awareness campaigns can be emotionally tiring or exhausting.
- Provide emotional support to an autistic person who is hurt by anti-autism campaigns. Try distracting them, and affirming them. Encourage them to stay away from the news, and hand-pick some positive stories about autism acceptance for them if you find them.
- If you're autistic or particularly sensitive, make sure that you stay away from things that could drag you down. You don't want to harm your mental health by looking at websites or campaigns that say awful things.
6
Try organizing an activity for Autism Acceptance Month. This could involve a concert, an autistic speaker, a fundraiser, or something as simple as painting pictures together that celebrate neurodiversity. Everything you do to support autistic people matters!
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Tips

Always assume that autistic people are competent, capable, and well-meaning. Flapping hands or not speaking don't equate someone to a baby.
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Helpful45 Not Helpful3
If you want to organize an event for autism acceptance, many autistics would love to help, but don't expect all autistics to agree to come. They may love your idea and motives, but not have the confidence or emotional strength to go to a social gathering.
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Whenever you're writing something, think: "How would an autistic person feel while reading this? Would they feel accepted or alienated?" If you think that the autistic person would feel good, you're doing a great job.
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Warnings

Never support "curing autism," "fixing" people, children "taken away" by autism, or the poor poor families "afflicted" with an autistic child. Autism is a fundamental part of autistic people's lives and experiences. Don't demonize who they are.
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Affiliating your group with an organization that fights autism will generate very bad PR. Expect the community to mobilize with letter-writing campaigns, social media movements, and boycotts. Always choose organizations you partner with carefully.
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