Moving beyond Awareness

This World Autism Day we need more than awareness
We need understanding, acceptance and inclusion

World Autism Awareness Day has been celebrated on 2nd April for the past 14 years. In the early days raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was important. Now most people are aware of autism and the emphasis has shifted towards autism acceptance - understanding and appreciating differences. Children and adults on the autistic spectrum still face barriers in many areas of society, including education and employment.

What more needs to be done to create an inclusive society where everyone is accepted for who they are and appreciated for their uniqueness?

Improve Understanding

Every person is unique with different talents and abilities. The view that autism is a problem to be solved or a disease to be cured is outdated and demeaning. For those on the spectrum, autism is a beautiful part of their unique identity. Rather than therapy aimed at conformance to neurotypical society, we need support tailored to individual strengths and challenges.

Celebrate differences

The world would be boring if we were all the same. Let’s appreciate diversity in all its forms, including neurodiversity. We can learn so much from each other if we put aside our view of what is ‘normal’. Let’s consider how to accommodate differences rather than expecting others to fit into our way of doing things.

Build Inclusion

In an inclusive society, each individual is accepted for who they are and finds a sense of purpose and belonging. Where people with neurological differences face barriers, it is society that needs to change and find ways to work with differences. This may include changing the environment to make it more accessible and supporting different forms of communication. For too long, autistic people have been told what they need, instead of being asked. The voices of those on the autistic spectrum must be heard and listened to.

What can I do?

Practical steps to creating a more inclusive society.

1. Expand your social circle and activities so that you can get to know more neurodiverse people. As Dr. Stephen Shore, an autism advocate said, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Getting to know individuals can help to break down assumptions and stereotypes.
2. Listen to autistic people. Many autistic adults are writing and advocating for acceptance and inclusion for those on the spectrum. You can read and share their blogs or podcasts. For children and adults experiencing communication barriers, a variety of methods of communication, such as sign language and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, can enable all voices to be heard.
3. Advocate for a more inclusive society.
   You can be an advocate where you live and work by supporting access and equal opportunities in education, training and employment. If you are a parent or teacher you can encourage children to value and respect differences.

This World Autism Day let's celebrate diversity and work together for a more inclusive society.

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