Autism Awareness Month: Highlighting Inclusivity, Support, And Diversity This April

Autism Awareness Month, which takes place annually in April, offers an opportunity to learn more about this developmental disorder and the individuals who live with it. Autism is a spectrum, meaning that people can experience this disorder’s symptoms in unique ways. Not all Autistic people are the same. For this reason, learning more about the history of Autism Awareness Month, statistics about the condition, associated myths and realities, and treatment options can be a helpful way to reduce stigma. Below, learn more about autism spectrum disorder and its diverse manifestations.

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Autism Awareness Month: Highlighting disability and neurodiversity this April 

History of World Autism Awareness Month 

Autism Awareness Month has been observed since the 1970s, when it was established by the Autism Society. Autistic Children’s Week was also developed and eventually incorporated into Autism Awareness Month. In 2007, the United Nations designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, marking the beginning of Autism Awareness Month. 

This month has been increasingly celebrated over time to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those living with this condition or identifying as Autistic. Autism Awareness Month is typically celebrated with the use of a blue or rainbow ribbon. Some people avoid using blue due to its association with controversial organizations and treatments. Some people instead use a rainbow infinity symbol to represent the many ways autism can present. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): What to know for World Autism Acceptance and Advocacy Month 

Autism spectrum disorder is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting behavior, personality, and sensory processing. To be diagnosed with autism, one must have symptoms within two categories: repetitive behaviors and social deficits. People with autism are typically diagnosed within the first two years of life. However, some people may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood due to difficulty accessing support or having a presentation that does not require extensive support. 

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), autism is categorized into three levels of support needs: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Those with Level 1 require less support, whereas those with Level 3 autism generally require more significant levels of support and symptom management options.

Breaking down myths about autism spectrum disorder this April 

Autism tends to be associated with many myths and stereotypes, perhaps due to past research biases and the way autism is depicted in the media. Below are a few myths and reasons why they’re untrue: 

• Autism only occurs in young boys (False): Autism is common in girls and adult women, too. However, women are less likely to be diagnosed as children due to healthcare disparities. 
• All people with autism are non-verbal (False): Autism is often represented in the media by children who cannot speak or do not speak in typical ways. However, many Autistic kids and adults can talk in complete sentences and hold relationships independently.
• All Autistic people are interested in typical special interests, such as trains, dinosaurs, and math (False): Although many Autistic people are interested in these subjects, they can hyperfocus on any topic. Women and girls are more likely to have special interests related to music, psychology, history, and animals than boys. 
• Autism can be cured (False): There is no cure for autism. Autism is a lifelong condition and form of neurodivergence. Treatment is meant to cater to the Autistic child’s support needs and provide accommodations in daily life. 
• Autism is caused by vaccines (False): No scientific research backs the claim that autism could be caused by vaccines, and many studies have debunked this claim. 
• Autistic people cannot live independent lives: Some Autistic people may struggle to live independently, but many Autistic people maintain employment and live on their own. Every person is different. 

Common treatment options for ASD and Autistic individuals 

Below are some of the most common treatment options for ASD and how they may be helpful. 

Family support and occupational therapy

Family members often play a significant role in supporting children (and some adults) with autism. They can help the Autistic person be more comfortable in therapy and support them in making positive changes to their lives. Occupational therapy is often incorporated into treatment, including approaches like play therapy, imagination therapy, person-centered therapy, and more. Children may be encouraged to create music and art and to be imaginative as they learn new forms of independence and self-care. 

Mental health therapy 

Mental health therapy can also be helpful, providing individuals with autism an outlet to talk about their feelings, experiences, and needs. In addition, a therapist can help clients develop independence, work through challenging emotions, and build new social skills. Common therapeutic modalities recommended for children and adults with autism include the following: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Trauma-informed CBT 
• Person-centered therapy 
• Play therapy (for children and teens) 
• Narrative therapy 
• Gestalt therapy 
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS) 
• Equine-assisted or animal-assisted therapy 
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy 

Due to controversy, applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and similar forceful methods are not recommended for children or adults with autism. Many people in the neurodiversity movement stress a focus on accommodation and support instead of trying to make a child “act neurotypical” or learn to behave as someone they’re not. 

Often, Autistic people are most comfortable when they are allowed to stim, avoid eye contact, and socialize in their own ways. Forcing a child otherwise can teach the behavior of “masking,” which has been proven to harm Autistic adults. 

Medications for co-occurring conditions 

Medications are sometimes prescribed to treat symptoms of co-occurring conditions of ASD, such as anxiety disorders, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and others. Medications may help children regulate their emotions, be more attentive in therapy, and communicate their needs more effectively. However, medication may not be recommended for all Autistic people. Consult your doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any medications. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide information on which medication or medical treatment may be suitable for you. This content provides generalized information that is not specific to any one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

The importance of inclusivity and diversity when discussing the autism spectrum 

The autism spectrum is called a spectrum for a reason. All Autistic people are different and have unique support needs. For this reason, when discussing the needs of people with autism and attempting to promote awareness and acceptance, it can be important to have nuance and try not to speak for any one group. 

Children with high support needs are often unable to express themselves verbally, so their families may be included in the conversation, or they may convey their opinions in other ways. Whether you are neurotypical (not Autistic) or someone with lower support needs, speaking about autism openly can be important, but try to include all people, not only those who can speak for themselves. Recognize that many Autistic people have conflicting opinions on labeling, treatments, and support, and that not everyone in the autism community agrees on the same topics. Everyone can identify with the labels that they believe are right for themselves.  

Demographics that are often missed when discussing autism and Autistic people 

When discussing autism and sharing resources, consider the following demographics, which are often left out of autism research and awareness initiatives: 

• Autistic adults with low support needs
• Autistic people with high support needs who may be non-verbal or experience severe sensory and social challenges 
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) people with autism 
• Autistic people in the LGBTQIA+ community (People with autism tend to be more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+) 
• Women and girls with autism
• Autistic immigrants 
• Autistic people with other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Down syndrome 
• Adults and elders with autism 
• Autistic people with physical disabilities (Many people with autism are diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and similar connective tissue disorders) 
• Low-support needs Autistic parents of high-support needs children with autism (Autism is 40% to 80% hereditary)  

Resources for Autism Awareness Month and the autism and developmental disabilities community 

If you’re seeking helpful resources for yourself or a family member with autism spectrum disorder, consider the following resources for Autism Awareness Month that Autistic people often endorse: 

• The Pacific Alliance on Disability Self-Advocacy (PADSA) 
• Autism Society
• Dr. Monique Botha: A researcher on autism, social equality, and mental health
• The Therapist Neurodiversity Collective: An organization centering neurodiversity in their advocacy
• Neurodiversity training programs for therapists and teachers 
• Rising Above ABA: An organization offering alternative options to ABA, backed by research 
• The Arc: An organization offering human rights advocacy for people with developmental disabilities like autism
• Color of Autism: An organization offering support and resources to families of BIPOC children with autism or BIPOC Autistic adults 
• Autism Research Institute: An organization researching autism in many ways 

Autism Awareness Month statistics 

When spreading awareness of the many faces and colors of autism, it can be helpful to look at current statistics about autism spectrum disorder and the people living with this condition. Below are statistics to consider sharing:  

• Currently, one in 36 children is identified as having autism spectrum disorder 
• Although autism starts in childhood, it is frequently not detected until much later, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 
• Autism is becoming more common, though researchers are not sure why
• Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, next to ADHD
• The lifetime social cost of treating and supporting Autistic individuals worldwide is estimated to reach over $15 trillion by 2029

Mental health support options 

If you’re an Autistic adult or teen or you have an Autistic child, you may benefit from talking to a therapist. Talk therapy can be a helpful way to cope, explore your symptoms, and discover ways to accommodate yourself or your child in daily life. Many specialists are available and licensed to support you. However, if you face challenges with finding in-person support, you may not know where to turn.

Online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp for adults and TeenCounseling for teens, can be helpful resources. Through these platforms, you can be matched with one of over 30,000 licensed and vetted therapists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. In addition, many of these providers have experience supporting adults who identify as neurodivergent or Autistic. 

Studies suggest that online therapy can be beneficial for people with autism, offering them a safe space to receive professional guidance and support. One study found that participants felt calm and safe when using a text-based form of therapy.