Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact with others, and experience the world. It is called a spectrum because the presentation and severity of characteristics vary widely among individuals. The purpose of a dedicated observance is to foster a greater understanding of autism and promote the civil rights of autistic people. This focus on education and advocacy aims to improve the quality of life for the estimated one in 36 children and over five million adults in the United States who are on the spectrum.
April: The Month of Recognition
The month dedicated to this observance is April, a tradition dating back to the early 1970s. The Autism Society established the first National Autistic Children’s Week in 1970 to push for public awareness and support. This week-long observance quickly evolved into a full month of activities focused on education and advocacy. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued the first presidential proclamation declaring April as National Autism Awareness Month in the United States.
The observance gained international recognition when the United Nations General Assembly established April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007. This global day aims to raise awareness about the realities of autism and improve the quality of life for those living with the condition. The original goals of the month were centered on increasing public knowledge of autism’s prevalence and characteristics, ensuring families had access to necessary resources and support services.
Understanding the Symbols and Terminology Shift
The visual language used to represent autism has evolved significantly, reflecting a shift in the community’s perspective. The puzzle piece, introduced in 1963, was historically used to symbolize the complexity of autism. However, many autistic self-advocates view the puzzle piece as problematic because it implies that autistic people are incomplete or a “puzzle to be solved.” This perspective aligns with the medical model, which frames autism as a deficit requiring a cure.
As a result, a growing number of individuals and organizations prefer the rainbow infinity symbol. This symbol represents the vast spectrum of neurodiversity, which includes autism alongside other neurological differences like ADHD and dyslexia. The continuous, looping nature of the infinity sign symbolizes the infinite variation of the human mind. A gold infinity symbol is sometimes used to represent autism acceptance, as “Au” is the chemical symbol for gold.
This change in symbolism parallels a significant terminology shift, moving from “Autism Awareness” to “Autism Acceptance.” The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) began promoting “Autism Acceptance Month” in 2011, and the Autism Society formally adopted the name change in 2021. The rationale is that awareness simply means knowing autism exists, while acceptance demands genuine inclusion, respect, and support for autistic individuals. Acceptance is rooted in the neurodiversity movement, which posits that neurological differences are a natural part of human variation.
Ways the Public Can Participate
Individuals who wish to participate can focus their efforts on tangible actions that promote acceptance and inclusion. True participation means actively breaking down systemic barriers that prevent autistic people from thriving.
Ways to contribute include:
- Practicing respectful language, such as using “autistic person” (identity-first language), as many autistic people prefer it because they view autism as an integral part of their identity.
- Actively seeking out and reading books, blogs, and articles written by autistic authors and creators to gain direct perspective on the lived experience of autism.
- Supporting local neurodiversity organizations and self-advocacy groups that are led by autistic people.
- Advocating for inclusive policies in workplaces, schools, and communities, particularly focusing on accessible housing, non-discriminatory employment practices, and comprehensive healthcare.