“Acceptance is an action.” Autism Acceptance Month from the brilliant folks at ASAN, is beyond incredible. We could read the About page again and again- and probably will. Check it out. Take the Pledge.
What is Autism Acceptance Month?
Autism Acceptance Month is about challenging ignorance, prejudice, fear, and hysteria about autism and autistic people. Autism Acceptance Month spreads the word that autism is both a neurological disability and a natural part of human diversity, and centers the voices of autistic people in the conversation about us.
Autism Acceptance Month promotes acceptance of autistic people as family members, sons, daughters, spouses, friends, classmates, co-workers, community members, and fellow-citizens making valuable contributions to our world and communities.
Autism Acceptance Month is about treating autistic people with respect, listening to what we have to say about ourselves, and making us welcome in the world.
You probably know an autistic person already. Get to know us a little bit better.
How did it get started?
Autism Acceptance Month takes place every year during April. The first Autism Acceptance Month celebrations were organized by Paula Durbin Westby in 2011, as a response to traditional “Autism Awareness” campaigns which the Autistic community found harmful and insufficient. “Autism Acceptance” as a concept has a history as long as the Autistic community itself, dating back to Jim Sinclair’s seminal classic “Don’t Mourn For Us” and perhaps most visibly popularized by Estee Klar’s “The Autism Acceptance Project.”
Why acceptance?
Because autistic people are you friends, family members, children, partners, co-workers, fellow-citizens, customers, and neighbors.
Because autism is a natural part of the human experience.
Because autistic rights are human rights.
Because autistic people can speak for ourselves, and we want you to listen to us.
Because we aren’t going anywhere.
Because this is our world too.
Because there are all kinds of minds, and this world is big enough for all of us.
Where can I learn more?
If you’re an autistic person, click here.
If you are the parent of an autistic child, click here.
If you are an educator or service provider, click here.
If you are a member of the general public, want to be an ally, or don’t know much about autism, click here.
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