The month of April is dedicated as Autism Acceptance Month, meant to spread understanding, acceptance, and education about autism.
This month is to share who those with autism experience. Autism is a disorder that can develop at any age, however, most commonly develops during the childhood years. Common attributes of having autism are sensory issues and low social awareness. Having autism doesn’t mean that someone experiences the same things the way another person with autism does. It’s important to remember that each person’s experience is unique and that being different is not bad and has benefits for all.
Autism Acceptance Month is represented as the color blue due to the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, where buildings and communities across the world put blue lights up to bring awareness to autism. The color blue was chosen due to being associated with calmness. April 2nd, in addition to the Autism Awareness Month, is Autism Awareness day and specifically focuses on the improvements needed in communities to continue accepting and supporting those with autism. Several shows celebrate Autism Acceptance Month; kid programs such as Sesame Street, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Arthur, and many more. All of these children programs have episodes that introduce characters with autism to bring awareness and spread the acceptance of autism. The awareness of autism is to make sure people with autism are supported and don’t feel the need to hide who they are. Overall April is meant to represent the improvement needed for those with autism to be accepted and celebrated for who they are.