In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week which later evolved into Autism Acceptance Month. This year, however, the Autism Society of America has launched a new campaign, Celebrate Differences, as they join with other local, state, and national disability organizations to shift focus from awareness to acceptance. This shift comes in response to the autism community feeling that acceptance is a growing need within the community. By shifting the focus, the goal is to promote acceptance and celebration of autistic people (many of whom prefer identity-first language to people-first language). According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s article on Autism Acceptance Month, “Autism is a natural variation of the human experience, and we can all create a world which values, includes, and celebrates all kinds of minds”. By focusing on acceptance, the goal is to improve support and opportunities across all aspects of life, including education, employment, and health care.
While every day is a celebration of autism for the Autism Waiver team at The Coordinating Center, the team will be meeting this month to discuss the importance of this shift as well as to review perspectives from autistic persons about symbols, language, and inclusivity.
www.autism-society.org/releases/media-urged-to-recognize-shift-from-autism-awareness-month-to-aut...
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About | Autism Acceptance Month
www.autismacceptancemonth.com
About What is Autism Acceptance Month? April is Autism Acceptance Month. During Autism Acceptance Month, we focus on sharing positive, respectful, and accurate information about autism and autistic people. Autism Acceptance Month promotes acceptance and celebration of autistic people as family membe... 6 days ago
