Autism Acceptance Month: Inclusion and Respect
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and promote the acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum.
While awareness of autism has increased in recent years, acceptance is still an area that requires attention and growth. Autism Acceptance Month aims to educate the public about autism, promote understanding and inclusion, and advocate for the rights of those on the autism spectrum.
This month provides an opportunity for individuals, families, organizations, and communities to come together to celebrate neurodiversity and promote a more inclusive society. In this blog post, we will explore what Autism Acceptance Month means and how we can all work towards promoting acceptance and inclusion for those on the autism spectrum.

Difference Between Autism Awareness and Acceptance
Autism acceptance and autism awareness are two distinct concepts that have gained much attention in recent years. While both aim to promote a better understanding of autism, they have different goals and approaches.
Autism awareness campaigns aim to educate people who may not have prior knowledge of autism and promote early diagnosis and intervention. These campaigns focus on spreading information about autism, its characteristics, and how it affects individuals. The goal of autism awareness is to increase knowledge and understanding of the condition, reduce stigma, and improve access to services and resources.
On the other hand, autism acceptance is focused on creating a world where autistic individuals are accepted for who they are, without trying to change or “cure” them. The goal of autism acceptance is to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, and encourage society to value and respect the unique perspectives and abilities of autistic individuals.
According to Autism Society, autism acceptance means recognizing that autistic individuals are not broken or in need of fixing, but rather are a part of human diversity. Acceptance means respecting the individuality of each person on the autism spectrum and embracing the strengths and challenges that come with autism.
Several organizations and advocates are promoting autism acceptance as an alternative to traditional autism awareness campaigns. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) promotes autism acceptance to create a more inclusive and accessible society. ASAN believes that society should value and embrace the unique perspectives and abilities of autistic individuals.
While autism awareness is focused on educating people about autism, autism acceptance seeks to create a society that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms. Both are important, but autism acceptance takes a more positive and respectful view of autism and seeks to create a society that values and respects the strengths and challenges of autistic individuals.
Our Commitment to Autism Acceptance Month
OneWell IDD Care Services is dedicated to promoting autism acceptance and inclusion in all areas of our services. We recognize that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, face unique challenges and barriers to accessing quality care and services.
Our commitment to promoting autism acceptance means that we provide care that takes into account the individual needs and preferences of each person we serve. Our team members are trained to provide support and care that is tailored to the unique needs of individuals with autism, including sensory needs and communication styles.
We work closely with families, caregivers, and other professionals to promote understanding and advocacy for those on the autism spectrum. We believe that promoting autism acceptance is essential to providing quality care and services to individuals with IDD, and we are proud to be a part of this important movement.
What Autism Acceptance Month Means to Us
Autism acceptance is not just a movement, it’s a necessity. The world needs to be more inclusive, welcoming, and understanding of autistic individuals and everyone with a form of IDD. By getting involved with autism acceptance, you can help to create a more compassionate and equitable society for all. You can make a difference by educating yourself and others, supporting organizations that work toward autism acceptance, and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
Together, we can break down the barriers that prevent individuals with autism from reaching their full potential and create a world where everyone is valued and celebrated for who they are. So, what are you waiting for? Join the autism acceptance movement today and help make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
Sources:
- Autism Society. (n.d.). What is Autism Acceptance? Retrieved from https://www.autism-society.org/what-is-autism/autism-acceptance/
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (n.d.). What is Autism Acceptance? Retrieved from https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/
- Autism Speaks. (2019). What is Autism Awareness? Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/what-autism-awareness
Author
Callie Dresser
Social Media Coordinator