The Evolution of Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance

31 Years of History

The Autism Society of America is the country's oldest leading grassroots autism organization. Since it's inception in 1970, April has always been known as Autism Awareness Month, but now the Autism Society is changing the title to Autism Acceptance Month. More information about this call for change can be found here.

Celebrating Differences in 2021

According to the Autism Society of America, this year’s campaign is titled “Celebrate Differences,” and it is “designed to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms, and realities of autism.” 

The 2021 focus is to “provide information and resources for communities to be more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in everyday life.” 

An excerpt from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Institute for Human Rights blog explains that the shift in terminology "fosters acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care, and comprehensive long-term services."

Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America says “While we will always work to spread awareness, words matter as we strive for autistic individuals to live fully in all areas of life. As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system.”

Acceptance Makes a Difference 

Through engaging in conversation, learning about one another’s perspectives, and by truly celebrating nerodiversity, we can individually become accepting. The more that the global population learns to embrace neurodiversity, the sooner our world can be filled with more love and acceptance and less hatred and stigmatism. Let us all aim to be aware and accepting of the global autism community as well as others. It all starts with compassion and self-education.

Here to Support the Community

If someone in your life has an autism (or related) diagnosis, Plymouth Psych Group is here to help. We offer several programs and services for teenagers, young adults and parents. Be sure to visit our Programs for Autism page for more information. We also invite the community to register for our FREE ASD Parent Support Group this month, featuring a panel of local autism support professionals from Plymouth Psych Group and PACER Center who will discuss the "Biopsychosocial Approach to the Management of Autism".

For questions about the services offered at our clinic and more information about how we may be able to help you or a loved one, please call us at 763-559-1640 or email info@plymouthpsychgroup.com