Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of difficulties autistic people may share, including the two key difficulties required for a diagnosis. The definition of autism has changed over the decades and could change in future years as we understand more.

Autistic advocates have taken the lead in bringing about this much-needed cultural shift by working for systems change and by sharing stories and perspectives, not only during the April events but throughout the year as well.Īutism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Autistic people need not just awareness, but acceptance and inclusion in order to have true support from their communities.Īutism Acceptance celebrations have grown in popularity in the Autistic community as participants spread the word. The number of people who participate in Autism Acceptance Day and Autism Acceptance Month observances continues to grow. Today, society has a greater awareness of autism than ever before, but autistic people still consistently face a number of struggles throughout daily life, from bullying and prejudice to limited job opportunities and access to health care. Education about the autistic community is important, but advocates argue that we shouldn’t stop there. This celebration, she wrote, was pro-neurodiversity, pro-supports and services, against “cures”, and not about fundraising or other agendas. Durbin-Westby organized the first Autism Acceptance Day celebration to help correct negative images of autism that had been prevalent in many autism “awareness” media pieces and events. Similarly, Autism Acceptance Day (formerly known as Autism Awareness Day) first began in 2008 when the United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness of the need to improve education, career opportunities, and community services and supports for Autistic individuals.

Autism Acceptance Month originated back in 1972 when the Autism Society hosted one of its first nationwide awareness campaigns, National Autistic Children's Week, which subsequently evolved into Autism Awareness Month.

How to Be Human by Florida Frenz