April is Autism Acceptance Month!

In honour of autism acceptance month, we challenge you to embrace neurodiversity and amplify Autistic voices. Every individual with Autism is a unique being with their own strengths and challenges. Let’s take this time to learn more about Autism so that we are open, willing, and able to communicate strategies to make our communities more welcoming for everyone.

Autism acceptance month is a platform to create change; a stage to support a shift in thinking to promote acceptance and inclusivity.

A New Approach: The Neurodiversity Perspective

Moving away from the traditional medical model of Autism which views psychological characteristics and developmental differences as deficits and pathologies, the neurodiversity perspective defines Autism as a difference in the way the world is experienced. Aligned with the social model of disability, the neurodiversity perspective embraces developmental differences as a variation of the norm; resulting disablement is largely a result of the mismatch between an individual’s needs and inaccessible environments.

The neurodiversity perspective defines Autism as a difference in the way the world is experienced.

What Does the Autistic Community Say?

Many autistic adults embrace the neurodiversity perspective seeking acceptance and inclusion rather than a cure.

• While each individual is unique, and it is always polite to ask about language preferences, the larger Autistic community prefers identity-first language over person-first language, i.e. “autistic individual” rather than “person with autism”
• Historic symbols of Autism such as the puzzle piece which may connote incompleteness are hurtful
• Messaging of “light it up blue” which perpetuates the stereotype that autism is more common in boys is harmful
• Events such as walks for a cure and autism events that center non-autistic speakers lends to a sense of otherness and isolation

Ways YOU can Support the Autistic Community:

• Use identity-first language (Autistic person)
• Follow autistic influencers and advocates
• Feature the works of autistic authors, artists, and creators
• Shift the conversation away from finding a cure to using support language. Use words such as inclusion and acceptance in your April advocacy for Autism.
• Consider celebrating Autistic Pride Day (June 18^th)

Follow These Autistic Advocates, Creators, and Influencers on Instagram:

• @ableismistrash
• @rdorseyslp
• @fidgets.and.fries
• @kaylacromerofficial

Why the Shift From “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month”?

“Awareness is knowing that somebody has Autism,” said Christopher Banks, CEO of The Autism Society of America. “Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities.”

What is Autism?

As defined by The Autism Society of America,

“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone.”

How Common is Autism?

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children are affected by autism. The cause of autism isn’t fully known, however, researchers believe both environmental and genetic factors may contribute to an individual being diagnosed with ASD.

What Are the Symptoms of Autism?

Symptoms of autism may include, but are not limited to:

• Picky or fussing eating
• Delayed or lack of speech
• Decreased eye contact
• Engagement in repetitive motor movements (i.e. hand flapping, twirling objects)
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

What Are the Therapy Options for Autism?

• Behavioral therapy to address repetitive behaviours that may interfere with daily life
• Occupational therapy to address underlying sensory needs contributing to a child’s dysfunction
• Physiotherapy to address delays in gross motor skills
• Speech therapy to address difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal communication
• Early intervention programs provide opportunities for structure, language models and facilitated peer interactions

Learn more: Child Autism Therapy Options at NAPA: A Parent’s Guide

 

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About NAPA Centre

NAPA Centre is a global leader in paediatric therapy, specialising in 3-week intensive therapy programs and weekly paediatric therapy. If your child needs our services, we will work closely with you to select the best therapies, creating a customised program specific to your child’s needs and your family’s goals.

Interested in bringing your child to NAPA? Book a free discovery session today to see how NAPA’s multidisciplinary team of physio, occupational, and speech therapists can help support your child.

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Find Additional Resources in the NAPA Blog:

• What I’ve Learned From Working With Autistic Children
• Benefits of Weighted Vests for Children With Autism
• Low Muscle Tone and Autism: A Physiotherapist’s Overview
• Speech Delay vs. Autism: Identifying the Differences
• Person-First Language: How to Use It and Why It Matters

About the Author

Lisa, an occupational therapist, is NAPA’s Global Director of Rehabilitation and a 10-year NAPA veteran. When she’s not treating or mentoring, you can catch her exploring her new hometown Denver and hiking with her family.