Celebrate Autism Awareness Month this April

Toddler exhibiting early signs of autismWhat does autism awareness mean to you? 45 years ago, Autism Awareness Month was launched  as a nationwide effort to promote awareness for this mental condition. The work of organization’s like the Autism Society and others have helped ensure that more people with autism have the opportunity to live the life they want to live.

During National Autism Awareness Month this year, we’re asking our readers to join them in their movement towards ASD acceptance and appreciation in their local communities.

Nearly 1 in every 68 Americans is affected by autism. There are over 3 million individuals living with autism, which equates to 1% of our population. The numbers alone show that this mental condition has reached epidemic proportions in our society. It deserves our attention, because this is an issue that is not going to go away.

(To learn more about this condition we recommend checking out our autism awareness post from last year, as well as our clinical indication page.)

Promoting Autism Awareness in April

National Autism Awareness Month represents the perfect opportunity to join a community of like-minded individuals who are helping promote awareness and acceptance of this mental condition across the country.

How does someone get involved this April? There are many ways you can take part in National Autism Awareness Month 2015, including:

  • Online awareness events and activities
  • Local events
  • Opportunities set up by organizations like the Autism Society and Autism Speaks
Speaker talking about Autism initiatives in the community

Are you willing to speak up for autism this April?

Here are some ways we recommend getting involved this April:

  • Display the NAAM logo badge on your blog, Facebook profile, Twitter page or other social media site.
  • Download the NAAM poster and distribute it to members of your community to be displayed in schools, libraries and other community centers.
  • Share a story of your personal experience with this mental condition and share it on social media using the hashtag #AutismUniquelyYou.
  • Sign up for the Autism Matters e-newsletter here.
  • Start a blog and share your autism story with the world.
  • Wear the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon on your shirt, put a sticker on your car, and be sure to tell others in your community why you’re putting on the puzzle!
  • Talk to local affiliates in your community about setting up an event this April.
  • Sign up for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the organization’s premier fundraising and awareness event.
  • Take the time to talk to friends and family about this awareness event and why it’s important.

Acceptance for Autism in 2015

Promoting further acceptance and inclusion in the community is one of the primary goals behind National Autism Awareness Month. When society is truly accepting of people’s uniqueness and talents, the world can be an amazing place.

We highly recommend Kerry Magro’s TEDx Talk titled “The Will of Opportunity: The Path of Autism to College.”

Donations to Support Autism

Interested in making a financial contribution to an organization like Autism Speaks this April? Each dollar that is raised this year will go towards improving local services available to families, new research initiatives and promoting awareness next year. Below, you’ll find links to the donation pages of our favorite autism organizations:

As you can see, there are many ways that you and your family can get involved in National Autism Awareness Month. Let’s work together to make the world a more accepting place in 2015.

Categories:
Autism