Maybe you’ve already heard about Autism Awareness Month?
If you haven’t, then you need to know is that it’s a really special month for the autistic community, which has marked the occasion every year since 1970.
When is Autism Awareness Month in 2025?
In 2025, Autism Awareness Month commences on Tuesday 1st April and continues until Wednesday 30th April.
These days, however, it’s mostly known as Autism Acceptance Month, reflecting a shift from simply increasing awareness to actively building understanding and respect through inclusion.
Acceptance goes beyond simply knowing that autism exists, it’s about embracing autistic individuals for who they are and ensuring they have the same opportunities to thrive.
The Evolution of Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness Month was founded by the Autism Society of America and Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., who was a psychologist and autism researcher.
Bernard opted for the month of April because that was the month of his son’s birthday and it’s also the beginning of spring, a time of rebirth and new beginnings.
The original aim of Autism Awareness Month was to educate the general public about autism and to raise awareness of the difficulties that many autistic people face.
As time went on, and people’s understanding of autism improved, there was widespread recognition that the mere awareness of autism was insufficient and that more needed to be done.
In 2007, the event was recognized globally by the United Nations General Assembly, making it only one of seven official health-specific UN days.
In 2021, as the shift towards understanding and inclusivity continued, the event was aptly renamed Autism Acceptance Month.
This change was significant. It signaled a move away from outdated narratives that autism is a condition to be “fixed” and instead encouraged a society where autistic individuals are respected and celebrated.
Why Do We Need Autism Awareness Month?
The world has come a very long way when it comes to our understanding of autism and the stigmas that are attached to the condition.
However, autistic people are still one of the most discriminated-against groups in society.
Autism Awareness Month exists to challenge the ongoing discrimination that exists and promote inclusivity, as well as celebrate the lives and achievements of autistic individuals.
It is a call to action for governments, workplaces and communities to create real and lasting change that benefits autistic people in meaningful ways.
How Can You Get Involved?
You can engage in Autism Awareness Month in many different ways and by doing so you’ll be contributing to a more inclusive society:
- Educate Yourself and Those Around You: To improve your understanding of autism, consider attending autism workshops and webinars, taking courses (many of which are available for free) or reading literature on the subject. By sharing your new found knowledge, you’ll be helping to dispel the many myths that still exist about autism.
- Support Autistic Voices: One the best things you can do is to spread the first hand insights of autistic people by sharing their stories, blogs and social media posts.
- Participate in Community Events: Autism organizations put on local fundraisers or events that you can attend to show your support.
- Advocate for Inclusive Practices: When it comes to discrimination, don’t be a bystander. You can personally encourage workplaces, schools, and community centers to implement practices that accommodate autistic individuals to make sure they feel valued and understood.
Conclusion
We look forward to celebrating Autism Acceptance Month together, in April 2025.
By embracing acceptance, we’ll be moving beyond mere awareness and actively contributing to a society where autistic individuals feel valued and supported.
Your involvement is crucial and whether through or personal growth you can play a pivotal role in this journey towards inclusivity.
