Autism Acceptance Month

April has arrived, signaling the time to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month! This month, we encourage everyone to come together to celebrate the history, achievements, experiences, and ongoing systemic challenges of the autistic community.

By challenging ableism and supporting the efforts of autistic activists, you help build a more equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible society for all. Advocacy also helps autistic individuals to receive access to resources and support.

Let’s delve into what Autism Acceptance Month is and the various resources available for autistic and community members alike.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference and neurodivergence characterized by differences in social communication and unique patterns of behavior and interests.

It exists on a "spectrum" because it varies widely in presentation and intensity from person to person. Individuals may have strengths in areas such as attention to detail, creativity, and unique problem-solving skills.

What Is Autism Acceptance Month?

April marks Autism Acceptance Month. Autism Acceptance Month is a time to celebrate and honor the unique history, achievements, experiences, and diversity of the autistic community.

This month advocates for the rights, inclusion, acceptance, and affirmation of autistic individuals in society. It requires all of us to embrace neurodiversity and recognize that we all have differences in the way our brains are wired and that autism is a difference, not a disorder or deficit.

We encourage communities to create spaces where autistic voices are heard, supported, understood, empowered, valued, and affirmed so that we create a world where everyone can be their authentic self.

What Is the Theme of Autism Acceptance Month This Year?

In 2025, the theme for Autism Acceptance Month is Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

The aim of this theme for Autism Acceptance Month is to foster discussions that embrace neurodiversity, promote accessibility and inclusive policies, eliminate barriers, and recognize and celebrate autistic individuals.

Why Acceptance Versus Awareness?

While many people still use “autism awareness,” many autistic individuals have been wanting a rebrand to “acceptance,” “affirmation,” or “inclusion” instead.

Previous awareness campaigns often highlighted the mere understanding of autism and may have focused on it as a disease, or deficit needing to be fixed.

On the other hand, acceptance, affirmation, and inclusion focus on valuing and celebrating autistic individuals as they are. Autism Acceptance Month, or Autism Affirmation Month, promotes autistic voices and experiences and fosters an inclusive environment where autistic individuals can thrive and be empowered.

What Is the Autistic Rights Movement?

The autistic rights movement is a social justice movement that celebrates the neurodiversity paradigm, which views autism as a natural variation in human cognition, rather than a disease or deficit to be cured.

Central to this movement is the right to autistic self-determination. This means that autistic voices should be at the front and center of all decisions about autism. They should be able to have the final say in the language surrounding autism and whether or not they are autistic.

This movement urges society to adapt and accommodate diverse ways of thinking and being. There is criticism for treatments that encourage autistic masking (hiding your authentic traits to appear more allistic or non-autistic). Instead, the autistic rights movement encourages the move toward neurodiversity-affirming therapies and treatments that accept autistic individuals and their unique traits and behaviors.

Why Is Autism Acceptance Month Important?

Despite how prevalent autism is in society, it is still widely misunderstood.

Autism Acceptance Month is important for various reasons, including:

Promoting Facts and Dispelling Myths

Here are some of the facts about autism that seek to dispel myths associated with autism:

Autism is not a mental illness.
Autism is not caused by vaccines.
Autism has not become an epidemic.
There is no cure for autism.
Bad parenting does not cause autism.
Autistic people are not more violent than the general population.
All genders can be autistic.
Autism is not a childhood condition. Adults experience it too.

Prevalence Understanding: Why It Isn't an Epidemic

Estimates suggest that 1 in 50 children in Canada is diagnosed as autistic (CHSCY, 2019). The rise in diagnosis is not due to an epidemic but rather improved awareness, better diagnostic criteria, and reduced stigma. It's crucial to embrace this growth as a positive step toward acceptance and support for autistic individuals.

Celebrating the strengths of autistic individuals

Here are some of the strengths that autistic individuals may have:

Detail-Oriented: Many autistic individuals excel in noticing patterns and details that others may overlook.
Creativity: Autistic individuals may be more likely to come up with new ways to learn that fit the way their brain thinks.
Passion-Driven: Have intense interests, which can lead to deep knowledge and expertise in specific fields.

By celebrating neurodiversity and promoting a deeper understanding of autism, we pave the way for improved support systems, better educational and employment opportunities, and a more inclusive society.

How Can I Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month?

Autism Acceptance Month is a time to participate in events to celebrate different brains. Here are some ways to observe Autism Acceptance Month:

Promote understanding of autism in schools, workplaces, and communities to reduce stigma and increase empathy.
Create and support environments that allow for sensory breaks, flexible communication styles, and other accommodations that respect individual needs.
Organize an informational session or fundraise for an autism organization.
Learn about how you can make your practice, school, or workplace neurodiversity-affirming.
Review your workplace policies surrounding accommodations and improve these policies.
Host a neurodiversity-affirming gathering.
Share resources from neurodiversity-affirming spaces and individuals.

Resources for Autism Acceptance Month

Strategies for Autistics Navigating Neuronormativity

Neuronormativity refers to societal norms surrounding the “typical” functioning of the brain. This concept implies that behaviors, thoughts, and emotional responses deemed “normal” are often based on neurotypical experiences.

Autistic individuals can support themselves by embracing their unique perspectives and seeking communities that affirm their identity. Here are some key strategies.

Self-Advocacy Is Crucial: Knowing your rights and clearly communicating your needs can empower you to request accommodations that will help you thrive in various settings.
Create a Neurodivergent-Friendly Support Network: Connecting with support networks can provide a sense of community and shared experience. Engaging with these groups allows for the exchange of valuable insights and coping strategies that can make daily interactions less stressful.
Use Positive Affirmations: Celebrate your unique abilities through the use of positive affirmations to enhance self-esteem and foster a more positive self-image.

Community Resources for Autistics

This month, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

Recommended Autism Books

The Autistic Burnout Workbook and Self-Care for Autistic People by Dr. Megan Anna Neff—These workbooks are excellent tools for recognizing and managing burnout specific to autistic individuals and providing strategies for self-care and recovery.
Autistic Adults Are Not Okay: Victoria A. sheds light on the struggles of neurodivergent individuals navigating a world that frequently invalidates their lived experiences. It explores community support, self-advocacy, and creating environments where autistic adults thrive.
Thinking in Pictures: Temple Grandin, an autistic advocate and professor, shares her life experiences and how she perceives the world. Through her unique lens, readers gain an understanding of visual thinking and the strengths within the autistic community.
We Are Not Broken: This collection features essays from autistic individuals and their family members that redefine autism narratives and challenge misconceptions. The authors share stories of advocacy and community.
Divergent Mind: Jenara Nerenberg challenges the conventional narratives surrounding neurodiversity and offers an account of how neurodivergent individuals can navigate and thrive in an often unaccommodating world.
Unmasking for Life: Dr. Devon Price provides a guide for autistic individuals who hide their true selves due to societal expectations. The book offers practical strategies for self-acceptance, personal empowerment, and emotional connection.
How Not to Fit In: J. A. Robinson delivers an exploration of life as an autistic ADHDer. This guide is crafted for neurodivergent individuals seeking guidance on how to navigate a world that often demands conformity.
Neuroqueer Heresies: Dr. Nick Walker collects writings on neurodiversity, autism, and neuroqueer experiences. It challenges the conventional perceptions of neurodiversity and queerness through essays, poetry, and art.

Autism Community Advocacy Groups:

Blue Sky Learning Autism Resources

Dana’s Neurodiversity Celebration: Autism Social

We're inviting autistic people and their allies to cap off autism acceptance/affirmation month with a community social in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Admission is FREE or by donation. All donations will be used to support Blue Sky Learning's free and low-cost neuro-affirming events, like autistic-led peer support groups and community socials!

New Autism Assessments

Blue Sky Learning is now collaborating with Fusion Psychological Services to offer you a holistic approach to autism support that involves assessment and coaching support.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy and Coaching

Neurodiversity-affirming care prioritizes respect, validation, and empowerment of autistic individuals. It recognizes neurodiversity as a natural variation within human development and emphasizes the importance of tailored support. This approach fosters environments where autistic individuals can flourish based on their unique identities.