Autism Acceptance Week
- Grace Aspinall
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
“Do not fear people with autism; embrace them. Do not spite people with autism, unite them. Do not deny people with autism, accept them. For then their abilities will shine.” —Paul Isaacs.
Autism Acceptance Week is observed from March 23-29 to raise awareness and funds in support of the cause. Even more importantly, it works toward increasing acceptance of autism through education and support. Autism Awareness Week began in 2007 in conjunction with the first World Autism Acceptance Day, and eventually the title became Autism Acceptance Week as ongoing research offered greater understanding about what ASD really means. There are many events held to raise awareness for ASD, such as online talks hosted by autism-based organizations, as well as in-person events put on across the country.
The proper title of the disorder is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and can include challenges with social communication, along with repetitive behaviors or interests. On average, ASD will appear in children before they are three years old. For years, ASD was expected to be a lifelong condition, but recent studies have determined that some children are not on the spectrum as they mature. Girls have a lower occurrence of autism than boys, who are diagnosed four times as many as girls.
An important aspect of autism is that it is a spectrum disorder; thus, the effects are different from one person to another. Research has discovered that no two people with ASD have the same symptoms, and they can be labeled and exhibited from mild to severe. The symptoms often emerge with difficulties in maintaining relationships and understanding what behaviors are considered acceptable. The autism spectrum is very broad, meaning that some individuals need a high level of support to exist, while others easily work and succeed more independently in day-to-day activities. For example, what many people experience as a routine doctor’s appointment could be quite traumatic for someone with ASD. Bright lights, waiting room music, and someone standing close to the autistic person can be difficult for people on the spectrum.
The symptoms may resolve or improve with support networks, implementing routines, and developing coping mechanisms. Further research reveals that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and this was not related to schizophrenia. It’s been a decade of study to bring us to the acceptance and recognition of autism; however, more information is needed.
Dr. Louise Taylor, a therapist and coach who specializes in working with people with autism, has shared that she is autistic herself. She explains, “I am a deeply loving person, and I am also a bit of an anomaly in the autism world as I have lots of friends (we are often told we struggle to make friends; the opposite is true for me), but I disagree with almost everything everyone says about almost every topic. I see the world in a completely different way. I love how I see the world, but I also feel like an alien who has accidentally been put on the wrong, stupid planet.” She also shares that “it isn't easy being like this, but I enjoy my world; it’s just a shame I think everyone else is nuts. The feeling often goes both ways, but I am lucky to have lots of acceptance and love; this allows me to thrive.”
In 2024, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS ) introduced a show called Carl the Collector on PBS KIDS. The show, written and produced by a neurodiverse production team, showcases and celebrates characters with whom many of those with ASD can relate. “By portraying a close group of neurodivergent and neurotypical friends, Carl the Collector models how all of us can be helpful, supportive, and appreciative of each other’s ways of thinking,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. Creator and Executive Producer, Zachariah Ohora explained that “we hope that Carl and his friends will encourage empathy and understanding and ultimately show that everyone benefits when we recognize and embrace our differences.”
Taking the time to understand autism and include autistic individuals in activities and all aspects of life goes a long way in showing acceptance for people with ASD.
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I am an enthusiastic woman who has been a freelance journalist, photojournalist, and photographer for many years, and a Her Nexx Chapter blogger since 2018. Recently, I have also been serving as the HNC Editorial Project Director. As an accomplished equestrian with my horse Sonny Madison, who has owned me since 2001, I also love my wonderful beagles, Lois Lane and Lana Lang; my awesome, terrific children and grandchildren; and reading, writing, painting, drawing, photography, and traveling. A native of Williamstown, Massachusetts, with a bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and a master’s degree in Organizational Development – Corporate Communications from Norwich University, I now live in the metro Washington, DC area with my husband, where I display my talents for technical writing and other corporate/government duties.
