Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

April reigns in the time for recognition, awareness, and support during Autism Acceptance Month. The broad definition of autism identifies a vast cluster of social, learning, communicative, and behavioral challenges. Although its symptoms are lifelong, autistic individuals also display unique characteristics and abilities that diversify their silhouettes from the rest.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is described as such for the wide variation in type and severity of symptoms. ASD includes Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, all of which are generally accepted to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, lending strengths and difficulties distinct to each afflicted. The developmental disorder typically appears after two years of age and lasts throughout their life in differing degrees of struggle. However, early detection may allow individuals to live more comfortably through treatments and services.

Autism Acceptance Month strives to educate and recognize the importance of screenings, research, and understanding. Participants are encouraged to support those on the spectrum by donating to ethical organizations that aid autistic people. Such include the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autistic spectrum. The Project HOPE Foundation, founded by two mothers of autistic children, also provides therapy, education, adult services, and community engagement to children and adults with ASD through the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis.

Autism Acceptance Month allows students and staff to learn more about their neurotypical peers and be considerate, such as providing accommodations to those who need them. Education is also crucial to help destigmatize the harmful stereotypes associated with ASD. Listening to the experiences and perspectives of neuro-atypical individuals is one step to building more sensitivity and connection between each other. There are many diverse factors to an autistic personality, and being conscious of their struggles can provide insight into communicating with equal understanding.

“Some of my difficult experiences as an autistic person are having meltdowns and not being able to understand social cues,” DBHS junior Lavy Tran said. “I tend to have meltdowns almost every day after school due to masking, which to me, is a survival mechanism that I force myself to do to ‘function’ like a neurotypical person.”

It is critical to recognize the validity and humanity of autistic people, regardless of social and communicative barriers. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder expresses itself differently throughout its holders, its grip is ever so present and disturbs their living in various ways. Amongst all mental obstacles, many people with ASD also endure bullying or harassment due to societal alienation and a lack of understanding. As such, introducing ASD through education and personal accounts helps prevent misinformation and prejudices from forming.

“If I were to describe it as a tangible thing, I think it would be like a guardian shadow looming over me,” Tran said. “While it does have good intentions, such as “guiding” me whenever I mask, allowing me to see the world in a unique perspective, and “protecting” me during my meltdowns, it can also be suffocating due to the shadow being the source of my self-hatred and loneliness since it tends to drive everyone away from me.”

April welcomes autism spectrum disorder to raise awareness of developmental disorders and neurodivergence. However, learning about ASD is not restricted to one month and is encouraged anytime. Whether donating to research charities, or organizations, or simply taking the time to acknowledge people on the spectrum, support is always appreciated

Written by Stacey Martinez  | Graphic Designed by Stacey Martinez

Published March 28, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature