Autism Acceptance Month April 2022 (National Today & Autism Society of Central Virginia)

This is a completed event.

Description:

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States. Autism, a complex developmental condition affecting the patient’s ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many subtypes. First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us. (National Today)

Since the 1970s, April has widely been known as Autism Awareness Month, dedicated to empowering autistic individuals and families. Last year, the Autism Society of America (ASA), along with other leading disability organizations across the country, called for a shift in language to match the growing need for acceptance within our communities.

The shift to Autism Acceptance Month aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services. Autism community advocates across the country have a long-standing history of using the term “acceptance” as a means of more fully integrating those 1 in every 44 Americans with autism into our communities. At the Autism Society Central Virginia, we will always take meaningful action to spread awareness, but we also believe it is imperative to aim beyond awareness and strive for acceptance and inclusion in our local community.

April represents an invaluable opportunity to share stories and resources, educate others about autism and issues within the autism community, and drive home the importance of acceptance. We look forward to sharing important information, valuable resources, and engaging activities throughout the month, and we hope you will join us! (Autism Society of Central Virginia)

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