In a world where one in 44 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, autism awareness is no longer the goal. A good portion of the population is aware of autism now, but that does not mean the race is over. Awareness is a good start, but now we must continue to push forward to autism acceptance.

The distinction between autism awareness and autism acceptance is an important one. Awareness means that people can recognize signs of autism in others, but recognition alone does not lead to less stigma or discrimination for people living with ASD. That’s where acceptance comes in.

Admittedly, acceptance takes more effort than awareness. Awareness highlights the differences between someone with autism and someone without autism. Acceptance challenges us to embrace those differences and see the value of a different mindset and a different way of seeing the world.

Acceptance means moving past first impressions or surface level interactions. As humans, we can get uncomfortable with situations or behaviors that we are not accustomed to. Acceptance means sitting with that discomfort to learn about the person behind those unfamiliar actions. Someone with autism may flap their hands when they are happy or excited. While it might be unfamiliar at first, it is really a beautiful expression of joy. And how wonderful is it to see joy expressed so freely?

Becoming aware is simple. Becoming accepting is an ongoing process that we must actively engage in. It’s work, but it’s worth it. Maya Angelou said it well: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what.”

Learn More About Autism Services

Support program development and scholarship assistance at Bill & Virginia Leffen Center by joining us for the Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Learn more or register now at runsignup.com/WalkForAutism.