Autism Awareness Day: Increasing Acceptance And Understanding

World Autism Awareness Day (or simply World Autism Day) is a holiday recognized and promoted by the United Nations, and it’s usually celebrated each year on April 2nd. It is primarily intended to raise awareness of the condition known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disability that tends to be associated with two main symptom categories: difficulties in social interactions and restricted and repetitive behaviors. These may include a need to adhere to a routine or to self-soothe with physical actions, like hand flapping or rocking back and forth (“stimming”). 

World Autism Awareness Day can serve as an opportunity to educate yourself about autism and learn about the ways in which neurotypical people can make society more available and supportive for Autistic people and those who represent other forms of neurodiversity. Some of these methods can include adapting communication strategies and implementing accommodations in educational and workplace settings that might help autistic individuals participate and succeed in their environment by accounting for their differences. A licensed therapist can help you learn more about ways to advocate for this community.

Awareness vs. acceptance, support, understanding, and inclusion for the autism spectrum

People with autism may have a variety of opinions on World Autism Awareness Day. While some may support the idea of raising awareness, others may advocate for more action, saying that what Autistic people really need is greater understanding and support from neurotypical people. Many Autistic adults avidly advocate for basic universal human rights for neurodivergent people in general - rights to solitude, bodily autonomy, and personal freedoms that are sometimes denied them unjustly - and ask neurotypical people to celebrate their abilities and individualism rather than highlight and focus solely on their developmental disabilities. 

Historically, some of the more well-known initiatives and programs around World Autism Awareness Day may have been promoted by organizations run by families of people with autism, particularly parents of Autistic children, as opposed to Autistic people themselves. This is especially true of the organization Autism Speaks, which has a history of “advocacy” that has done more harm than good. Many Autistic people ask that neurotypical people not support Autism Speaks and instead support Autistic-run organizations for World Autism Month.

How to spread kindness and acceptance during World Autism Awareness Day and help Autistic people reach their full potential every day

Some people with autism argue that it is not their autistic traits and qualities that cause challenges. Instead, they may believe that their challenges stem from living in a society that might not make accommodations for people with disabilities, including people who may be on the spectrum. This is especially true in the world of education and in the corporate world. This concept can also be referred to as the social model of disability. While it may seem overwhelming to think about the prospect of shifting societal systems to be more inclusive, the positive aspect of this situation may be that all of us can help create a world that is more supportive of Autistic people. 

Adapting some of your communication strategies in different settings can help people who may be on the spectrum better understand you and more effectively connect with you. Additionally, many of the strategies that can improve communication with Autistic people can facilitate better communication with other groups of people as well. These groups can include the following:

• People with other neurodevelopmental conditions, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities

• People with mental health conditions that may impact their social functioning, such as depression, social anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Neurotypical people

Strategies for communicating in a manner available to autistic people

• Prioritize compassion and encouragement in your communication.

• Focus your conversation on topics that the other person is comfortable discussing.

• Be as clear and concise in your communication as possible, avoiding figures of speech, indirect language, sarcasm, irony, or other language nuances.

• Give the other person time to think about their answer in a back-and-forth conversation.

• Communicate what you want from other people as opposed to what you do not want. For example, a sign in a public library that reads “Please whisper” may be more acceptable than one that reads “No talking.”

• Understand that witnessing a lack of eye contact, stimming, blunt or direct language, and a lack of respecting personal space may all be part of talking to an Autistic person – and that they are likely not consciously choosing to engage in these behaviors or intentionally trying to be offensive.

• Avoid trying to communicate in crowded and loud areas.

• Be punctual and respect other people’s time (Autistic people may need to adhere to specific routines).

• Pay attention to other people’s emotions, particularly if they seem like they are becoming uncomfortable or anxious.

• Seek out common interest areas and be aware that Autistic people may be more likely to speak about their favorite topics for a longer period than might be considered typical. They may also have difficulty picking up on social cues that it is time to change the subject.

• Do not interrupt or talk over other people.

• Understand that Autistic people may become overstimulated easily or may need to take a break during periods of extended social interaction, so if they temporarily step away from a conversation, they are generally not being rude.

• Be open-minded.

Strategies for creating a workplace that is available for Autistic people

• Provide specific, actionable, and timely performance feedback, whether positive or negative.

• Ask employees how they would like to be communicated with, i.e., face-to-face in person, over the phone, via text or email, etc.

• Allow alternative and more visual-oriented communication options, like color-coded scheduling systems.

• Do not assign employees more than one project at a time.

• Prioritize employee meeting spaces and events that are not likely to provoke sensory overwhelm, including dim lighting, soft seating options, minimal noise, neutral colors, and no strong scents, such as candles, deodorizers, cigarette smoke, perfume, and smells associated with cooking or cleaning.

• Allow for frequent breaks throughout the workday.

• Encourage employees to ask clarifying questions.

• Communicate information about required meetings and upcoming schedule changes significantly in advance whenever possible.

• Break down large assignments into smaller tasks and write them out step by step in checklist form.

• Allow for personalization of workspaces, including the use of stim/fidget toys and comfort items.

Finding support when engaging in autistic advocacy on World Autism Day

Advocating to make the world a more inclusive place for any marginalized group can be an exhausting and overwhelming task. If you are hoping to find additional support for engaging in disability advocacy, or if you are processing concerns related to living with autism, it could be helpful to speak to a mental health professional.

Benefits of online therapy

Traditional therapy appointments in an office may not be the most available healthcare option for people with autism. Sensory overwhelm and social expectations can lead to heightened anxiety around attending in-person therapy appointments. In these instances, online therapy could be a helpful alternative. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Current research indicates that online therapy may have comparable efficacy levels to traditional in-person therapy, including when providing support for developmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder. One study found that people with ASD who completed a course of online therapy usually reported significantly improved mental health outcomes. If you are hoping to find additional support for living with ASD, online therapy could be beneficial.