Advocate for Autism Awareness All Year Long

Autism Puzzle Pieces

With the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders on the rise — the Centers for Disease and Prevention Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network now estimates that 1 in 59 children have ASD — declaring only one month per year Autism Awareness Month seems insufficient. In 2019, we need to be aware that individuals with autism, their families, teachers and therapists are coping with the challenges associated with ASD on a daily basis.

As we near the end of April and the close of Autism Awareness Month 2019, Enabling Devices offers these recommendations to support the autism community throughout the year.

Learn about Autism
Educate yourself and others about autism — its symptoms, treatments, and diagnoses — by reading about ASD, checking out realistic depictions of people with autism on TV and in movies. Yet, keep in mind that all people with autism are different, just like the rest of us.

Appreciate Difference
Human beings have a tendency to gravitate to people, places and activities that are familiar. We may be uncomfortable and even fearful about those who seem unfamiliar. Go out of your way to meet and get to know people with autism. You’ll undoubtedly be impressed with their unique strengths and talents.

Empathize
Individuals with autism may behave differently than neurotypical people. Flapping, tantrums, and strong reactions to sensory stimuli may draw unwanted attention to families when they venture out of their homes with a child with autism. Dealing with the reactions of others in the form of staring, teasing, unkind comments or unsolicited advice, all add to the stress of caring for a child with autism. Advises the American College of Pediatricians: “Avoid being judgmental of a family dealing with these behaviors, and realize that they are not caused by a lack of appropriate parenting.”

Help out
No matter how you slice it, parenting is hard work. Parenting a child with autism is even harder. According to the ACPEDS, “Parents caring for an autistic child appreciate hands-on help. Offering to trade baby-sitting or watching their other children so they can take their child with autism to therapy are great ways to lend a hand.”

Accommodate Friends and Family
Not sure how best to accommodate friends and family members with autism? Ask! Before hosting a party of holiday event, check with guests to find out what gifts an autistic child might prefer, what she might like to eat, or what game or TV show he might enjoy. Sensitive inquiries will go a long way toward helping a guest with autism and his family members to feel more at ease.

Volunteer Your Time
Whether you volunteer for a local autism organization, support autism fundraising events or attend educational programs that promote autism awareness, you’ll be doing your part to help people with autism and their families in a variety of ways.

Donate to autism organizations
If you have the ability, make a financial contribution to a reputable autism organization. Your dollars can help to fund autism research or help nonprofits such as schools, job training or extracurricular programs that serve the autism community.

Encourage inclusion
Whether it’s in your child’s classroom, your workplace, your local theater or place of worship, advocating for inclusion goes a long way toward encouraging your community to embrace people with autism and their families.