Autism Awareness Month

 

April is Autism Acceptance Month

By Tracy Metz

As a Willow River Elementary community, we have always celebrated Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month in a variety of ways because we are very lucky to work with many students with autism spectrum disorder.  This April, the hope is that we can all take some time to spread the mission of Autism Acceptance Month, which is to not only bring awareness of what autism is  but also to be accepting and inclusive of autistic students and continue to learn and advocate for the things they need.

Awareness vs. Acceptance

In April of 1972, the first Autism Awareness Week was officially celebrated and over the years there have been many ways that awareness about autism has been spread throughout the month of April including rallies, the Light It Up Blue campaign and fundraisers.  These activities really aimed to raise awareness of the challenges and celebrate the differences of those affected with autism.  In more recent years, autistic adults and some organizations have asked to reframe our thinking from awareness to acceptance during the month of April and that is why, in 2020, April became Autism Acceptance Month.  The goal of Autism Acceptance Month is to not only learn about the differences of autistic people but understanding and accepting those differences and to continue to make progress towards equal rights and resources. 

What Can You Do During April?

Here are some ideas of things that you can do this month to show support to the autism community and continue to grow your knowledge:

• Wear red and/or the gold or rainbow infinity symbol - the infinity symbol represents the diversity of the autism spectrum and is the preferred symbol of autism over the puzzle piece by the autistic community

• Follow Blogs or Social Media posts from Autistic Adults -this is a great way to educate yourself about the autistic conversation and to learn about the autistic experience

• Read Books or Listen to Podcasts 

• Accommodate and support the preferences of autistic students -this is something we do a great job with at Willow River but we can continue to learn and grow

What Can You Do With Your Students To Promote Autism Acceptance?

Here are some really great points to talk about with your students this month:

1.  Everyone is different.  Just like everyone looks different on the outside, everyone’s brains are different too.  We all have things that we are good at and things that are challenging for us.  These differences are good - it is what makes us all unique.

2. What Autism Is vs What Autism Is Not: Autism is a difference in the brain that allows people to experience things in a different way.  Autism is NOT wrong or bad, unintelligent or antisocial.  It is just different.

3. Kindness and Including Others: Even though we are all different, we all have the same needs.  What are some ways you can be kind to others and include someone who may feel left out.

The following children’s books are great to read aloud to get those conversations going:

• A Friend Like Simon by Katie Gaynor

• All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

• Leah’s Voice by Lori DeMonia

• Just Right for You by Melanie Heyworth

• Rules by Cynthia Lord (chapter book)

• My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Robinson Peete

• Since We’re Friends by Celeste Shally and David Harrington

• Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (upper elementary)

• Looking After Louis by Lesley Ely

There are many books about sensory experiences as well and our very own Linda Wagner and her niece, Lindsey, have two books about specific challenges that autistic individuals often face as part of their Little Lindsey series that are excellent.

This April, let’s all strive to take action in at least one way both personally and in our classrooms to share the message of Autism Acceptance month.  What will you do?