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When Is Autism Awareness Month? (& How to Participate)

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Janice

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Autism awareness month is a time of heightened community and school-wide support, as well as fundraising efforts. One way to participate in the yearlong effort is by supporting an organization that benefits those on the autism spectrum by donating money or materials.

Autism awareness month is observed in the United States and Canada on April 1. The first autism awareness day was held on February 14, 2012. It is a time for people with autism and their families to learn more about autism, find support, and get involved in advocacy efforts. Read more in detail here: when is autism awareness month 2022.

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If someone you care about has autism, you’re well aware of what it is and how it affects them. Do your buddies, on the other hand, comprehend the spectrum? Do others in your neighborhood make inaccurate judgments about your family?

April is an excellent month to promote community awareness of families like yours. Autism Awareness Month is observed both domestically and internationally in April.

Autism Awareness Month has a long and illustrious history.

In the 1970s, the Autism Society, located in the United States, came up with the idea for Autism Awareness Month. However, much has changed since then. 

Autism was unknown to the general population in the early 1970s. In 1972, the Autism Society established National Autism Awareness Month as a countrywide event. 

The Autism Society is one of the country’s earliest and oldest autism-focused organizations. The organization began advocating in 1969, and the organizers were instrumental in the invention of the autism awareness ribbon, which was introduced in 1999. 

The scope of Nationwide Autism Awareness Month, as a national event, was restricted to the United States. Many persons with autism reside outside of the United States, and some activists believed they could reach a larger audience and accomplish more good by doing so. 

Autism Speaks, which was created in 2005, took up the concept and extended it. The group now sponsors an annual World Autism Month, which falls in April. 

If your family is talking about Autism Awareness Month, you might be referring to any of these events. They’re both essential.

As Autism Speaks notes, there are still many misconceptions regarding autism. Some individuals have the misconception that persons with autism:

  • Have no feelings whatsoever.

  • I’m not looking for any new buddies.

  • I’m unable to comprehend emotions.

  • Are mentally challenged.

Activism may assist to change people’s perceptions of persons with autism and dispel some of these stereotypes. Activists may sometimes bring about significant changes that assist politicians and other authorities in funding the correct initiatives at the right time. Participating in an awareness month may have a greater impact than you know.

How can I become involved?

If you want to assist your community understand more about autism, there are several possibilities available. 

Here are a few ways to Participate:

  • Accept the blue. Autism Speaks designated the month of April as Autism Awareness Month in 2010. On April 2, when Autism Awareness Month officially begins, buildings, residences, and monuments all across the globe are draped in the hue. To show your support for the cause, replace your porch light with a blue one or wear blue that day.

  • Run for the good of the cause. Raising money while jogging among other autism activists. To locate a race near you, join a team via Autism Speaks or contact your local autism group.

  • Raise funds. Organize a baking sale. On eBay, you may sell things. Scarves may be knit and sold on Etsy. Consider how you can raise money and then donate the sum to the charity that means the most to you.

  • Please spread the news. Use the hashtag #AutismAwarenessMonth to share updates about your efforts on social media, or identify the organization you’re helping in each post.

  • Attend a gathering. Fundraising events are held by organizations such as the Autism Society to raise awareness, celebrate, and raise finances. Attend a local event or organize one of your own to generate funds.

  • Knowledge should be shared. Every year during Autism Awareness Month, the Organization for Autism Research distributes handouts. Choose goods that are meaningful to your family and share them with your friends and family. You may influence people’s minds one at a time.

Some of these suggestions will take some time to implement. It’s alright if you don’t have enough time in your schedule to complete each assignment. However, even checking just one of these tasks might be beneficial to your community.

Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

Structured activities are appreciated by certain families. Others like raising cash. Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, you may participate in Autism Awareness Month. All you have to do now is think beyond the box.

You could do the following:

  • Kindness is contagious. Look for autistic persons in your network and in your neighborhood. Find methods to make their days more enjoyable. Give this individual a kind smile, a kind remark, or an invitation to a family reunion. Make this the month when you honor genuine individuals who have autism.

  • Defend against errors. During Autism Awareness Month, speak out if you witness friends or family members expressing inappropriate or disrespectful information. When you have the opportunity, correct misunderstandings with solid facts. Supporters argue that this kind of independent campaign is particularly vital in April.

  • Enjoy your time with your loved ones. In April, look for methods to bring your family closer together. Hold family gatherings or use this time to examine everyone’s physical and emotional well-being. Make a conscious effort to be mindful of how you all feel throughout this unique month.

If you think hard enough, you’ll undoubtedly come up with a slew of celebration ideas. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bringing people together.

Contact the Organizers

Every Autism Awareness Month is unique in its own way. Organizers come up with fresh themes, create original activities, and create new instructional tools. When April arrives, reach out to remain up to date on the year’s plans. 

Autism Awareness Month is supported by the following organizations:

  • The National Autism Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization This group, based in Rhode Island, has a comprehensive website and constantly updates social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

  • Local chapters of the National Autism Association: Work directly with smaller offices around the United States. There are many chapters in certain states, while others only have one. Use the directory to choose the one that is the most convenient for you.

  • Autism Speaks is active on a variety of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow along to learn more about the events planned for April.

  • Chapters of Autism Speaks: This group maintains smaller chapter offices all around the United States. The online directory can assist you in locating the one that is nearest to your location.

  • Sign up for regular email updates from the Autism Society by visiting their website, or follow them on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

  • Autism Research Organization: Visit learn out about upcoming activities, go to the website. For up-to-date planning information, follow the group on social media.

Participate

There are plenty of opportunities to Participate in Autism Awareness Month. To whatever degree you participate, you are helping to expand the public’s understanding about autism. This helps to make the world a better, more supportive place for people with autism.

References

Autism Awareness Month is an event that takes place in April. This month, people are encouraged to participate in autism awareness activities. Reference: autism awareness month activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Autism Awareness Month in April or October?

A: The National Autistic Society of Americas website says April, while the Autism Awareness Month website states October.

Is November Autism Awareness Month?

A: Yes, November is Autism Awareness Month.

What color is Autism Awareness Month?

A: October is Autism Awareness month.

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