There are multiple approaches and perspectives about autism by a variety of organizations. All recognize April as a month of celebrating the unique skills, abilities and contributions of individuals with autism.
Promoting greater understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism during April is the goal of these observances. Although each has a somewhat different focus, all encourage appreciating individuals with autism as an integral part of the community. For example, the Autism Society of America celebrates National Autism Awareness Month, while the Autism Self-Advocacy Network focuses on Autism Acceptance Month.
One of the most recognizable ways people, schools and businesses are celebrating autism during April is through lighting landmarks in blue lights. Initiated by Autism Speaks, to coincide with World Autism Awareness Day, which was adopted by the United Nations in 2007, this means of awareness is now observed in multiple countries worldwide. It is intended to shine a light on autism as a global health priority.
In observance of the 2015 World Autism Awareness Day, more than 16,000 buildings were bathed in blue, including the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House, and the Pyramids and Great Sphinx. The UN recognizes autism and other disabilities as part of the human experience that contributes to diversity. World Autism Day, April 2, is intended to bring a greater awareness and understanding of autism while celebrating the unique skills and talents of individuals with autism. During April, UMW celebrates autism and individuals with autism as a part of our diverse community.
National Autism Awareness Month
The Autism Society of America promotes National Autism Awareness Month. The Autism Society’s concentration for the month is expanding from just awareness to a focus on the rest of us. The purpose is to help ensure acceptance and inclusion in schools and communities with the goal being a true appreciation of the uniqueness of all people. Moving society toward a place where the unique talents and gifts of individuals with autism are valued and appreciated is the desired outcome. They invite us to join them in celebrating 2016 National Autism Awareness Month as an excellent opportunity to promote awareness and acceptance of autism and to bring attention to those with autism.
Autism Acceptance Month
April is also Autism Acceptance Month. The focus of this monthlong celebration is to share respectful, positive and accurate information about autism and about people with autism. The purpose is to promote acceptance and realize the valuable contributions of autistic people to families, friends, classmates, co-workers, the community and the world. Autism is viewed as a natural variant of the human experience and a valuable part of diversity that is celebrated. The goal is to promote treating autistic people with respect and to listen to what the autistic community has to say and offer. Ultimately, the overarching goal is to make autistic people feel like a welcome part of the world. As the Autism Acceptance Month website states, “You probably know an autistic person already. Get to know us a little bit better.”
April is About Autism at UMW
With April being recognized as National Autism Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Autism Awareness Month, and having World Autism Day on April 2, UMW will light up a tree in Ball Circle for the month of April. The UMW community is encouraged to find out more about autism, understand the unique skills, abilities and contributions of individuals with autism and promote acceptance of individuals with autism.
For further information about the National Autism Awareness Month you can visit
http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/ .
For further information about Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Day you can visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/how-light-it-blue16 .
For further information about Autism Acceptance Month you can visit http://www.autismacceptancemonth.com/about/ .
Susan Wallace says
Does UMW have an Autism support group of some kind for students?