April is Autism Acceptance Month

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation that is different for everyone.  The Autism Society of America has a great infographic about ASD. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a toolkit to raise awareness to promote autism acceptance, celebrate neurodiversity and individual differences, and continue to advance inclusivity and connectedness throughout the community. This partner toolkit provides free resources, including social media content and links to educational materials on autism. You can share these resources with your friends, family, colleagues, and partners. 

You may have heard April referred to as Autism Awareness Month in the past, so why the name change? The change occurred in 2021 promoted by the Autism Society of America. While awareness reflects the need to educate the public about autism, acceptance goes a step further to embrace the autistic community as they are, with all of their strengths and challenges. This month's goal is not just to recognize and celebrate the strengths of the autistic community, but to push for inclusion.  

Additionally, you may have seen the puzzle piece used to represent autism in the past. The puzzle piece was replaced in February 2018 with a rainbow-colored infinity symbol. The new symbol aimed to represent the autism spectrum in its entirety, emphasizing diversity and difference rather than the notion of missing or incomplete parts. The rainbow infinity symbol highlights the understanding that individuals with autism have unique strengths and perspectives, challenging the outdated notion of brokenness or disability. The rejection of the puzzle piece and adoption of the new symbol and terminology demonstrates the growing desire within the autism community to be seen and accepted for who they are, without the need for fixing or completing a puzzle. These changes promote a more inclusive and respectful society that embraces the strengths and differences of neurodivergent individuals fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding. 

This Sunday (April 28, 2024) the Dash will host a neurodiversity celebration and adapt an in-stadium experience to include fewer public address announcements, reduced volume throughout the ballpark, and limited motion graphics on the videoboard. They will also have a dedicated on-site sensory room available for those who may need it.  

Additionally, there is a local kids gym that provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration, and safe sensory experiences. We Rock the Spectrum is located in Kernersville, NC.  


Resources:

The Autism Society of America

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Linked In

New York Department of Health

USA Today

We Rock the Spectrum

Winston-Salem Dash


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