April is Autism Awareness month! However, many people do not know very much about autism, or why this was the month chosen to spread its awareness.
According to Autism Society of America (ASA), “Autism, short for 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.”
This varies from case to case, and from person to person. ASA goes on to explain this by saying, “The Autism experience is different for everyone and affects people to varying degrees. It is defined by individuals who engage in restricted and repetitive behaviors that are atypical of one’s age or sociocultural group and may be resistant to change as well as displaying executive functioning disorders.”
The reason why Autism Awareness Month is celebrated globally in April as opposed to another month is that the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 2007 to designate April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
The purpose of the day is to bring individual autism organizations together all around the world to aid in research, diagnoses, treatment and acceptance for those with a developmental path affected by ASD. According to the Autism Book Club, blue is chosen for Autism Awareness Month because this color “exudes peace, honesty and calmness.”
Christopher Banks, chief executive officer (CEO) of ASA, one of the nation’s prominent non-profit autism advocacy organizations since 1965 explained about the transitioning its logo from a puzzle to a thread, “The new brand includes an inclusive color system, ‘threads’ that visually tie in our story of connection with line fluidity that helps create a calm, visual stimulation.”
“The new logo weaves the colors and threads to create a visual that represents individuality and unique experiences that are simultaneously interconnected and woven into the greater Autism community.”
Banks further revealed “Additionally, we are intentionally capitalizing Autism. The Autism Society believes the shift to a capital A is a broader representation of a culture, identity and diverse neurotype – as well as the disability itself.”
It can improve understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives within the Autism community, leading to increased access, inclusion and meaningful support for people with Autism and their loved ones in our society.”
Another well-known autism non-profit advocacy organization, Autism Speaks Inc., was founded in February 2005 by Bob Wright and his wife Suzanne, a year after their grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism. In October 2021, Autism Speaks appointed Keith Wargo as its new president and CEO.
According to the Autism Speaks website, their logo, the puzzle piece, “originated as an autism symbol in 1963, when it was developed to raise autism awareness. The puzzle piece is meant to be representative of the spectrum of perspectives and experiences autistic people may have.”
Let’s take an opportunity for, not only this month, but for future months to take time to reflect and appreciate the differences and contributions that people within the autism spectrum have made globally.
