Celebrating World Autism Month

April 20, 2023

April goes by many names in the autism community: World Autism Month, Autism Awareness Month, National Autism Acceptance Month. But no matter what you call it, it’s an opportunity to join others in a unified focus on autism education and advocacy.

Our CoVE Autism Support Classrooms kicked off this month by getting their entire elementary school involved. Students put their handprints on a rainbow infinity sign that said Autism Acceptance Month to hang in the school. As they placed their handprints, CoVE’s Student Support Supervisor took the opportunity to talk with them about what autism is, what autism looks like, and if they knew anyone with autism. The kids asked some great questions and were excited to participate in support of their CoVE peers!

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors

At The Vista School, staff and families were invited to share something they wished more people understood about autism. In the spirit of helping to spread awareness and understanding, below are a few of their responses:

- - “Just because they’re nonverbal doesn’t mean they don’t understand!”
  - “Not all kids with autism shy away from social interaction. Some crave it!”
  - “There’s no clear-cut cause of ASD. Research supports genetic and environmental factors as some causes of autism, but there is no known way to prevent it.”
  - “For those who do really understand Autism we need political allies to push for better government funding and support services. That is where we need to focus.”
  - “You learn to appreciate the little things, because the little accomplishments become the biggest moments for you and your child.”
  - “My perspective isn’t widely shared but I do believe there are more people who are finding it a more healthy approach. Being honest with ourselves and others will go much further toward achieving the supports our families need….This life is incredibly difficult and I believe we do a disservice to those who do it by telling them it is a positive experience. They do it because they have to. Period. Full stop. Autism parents are burned out, sleep deprived, frustrated and live lives that are so stressful it impacts our own health and mental wellbeing. We live shorter lives and have more challenges building relationships because of the time demands of caring for our loved ones. Can we just be honest about how difficult this is so others will stop thinking that we caregivers have this “figured out” and we live lives that are rich and fulfilled, because we don’t.”

Sharing your voice can make a huge difference this Autism Month–and every day of the year. One way to put your voice to work for individuals with autism is to join the advocacy campaign asking the Pennsylvania governor and legislature to support funding for autism services and intellectual disability. Following a decade of underfunding, then a global pandemic, the current system is unable to meet the demand for access to services, leaving individuals without needed supports. Providing adequate funding will enable service providers to meet the needs of thousands of Pennsylvanians with intellectual disability and/or autism (ID/A) who are not currently receiving the services they are entitled to through Medicaid.

A letter template is available on votervoice.net that you can customize with your personal story and easily send.

Add your voice to the cause

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Celebrating World Autism Month