Moving Beyond Acceptance

Hi, I’m autistic. Perhaps you were aware of that fact (I do write a lot about autism and neurodiversity here on LinkedIn, after all). If you are aware that I'm autistic —that’s great! But awareness is only the beginning. It’s time we evolve from simply knowing about autism to fully embracing and accepting autistic people for who we are.

If you have an autistic person in your life, you may know that the month of April is celebrated by many as Autism Acceptance Month. Of course, you may have heard it described a different way under its old name. Let me explain.

Autism Awareness Month (that old name you may be more familiar with) originated in the 1970s in an effort by the Autism Society of America to highlight the growing need for awareness about autism, aiming to inform the public about what autism is. In recent years, there's been a shift towards a more inclusive and accepting approach, leading to the transformation of Autism Awareness Month into Autism Acceptance Month.

Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes the importance of embracing and valuing autistic people as they are, promoting a better understanding of the spectrum of our experiences, and advocating for policies and practices that support the autonomy and rights of autistic individuals. It represents a shift towards celebrating neurodiversity and working towards a society that accommodates and respects all individuals, regardless of neurocognitive differences.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), an organization run by and for autistic people, has been a leading voice in this transition. They argue that moving from awareness to acceptance is a vital step in recognizing the contributions and needs of autistic people, rather than merely acknowledging the existence of autism. I agree. And guess what? So does the Autism Society of America - which now marks Autism Acceptance Month each April as well!

Acceptance transcends awareness; it involves understanding our unique perspectives and experiences as autistic people, valuing our contributions, and actively creating inclusive environments that accommodate who we are.

So what can you do to foster autism acceptance during the month of April? A lot! But, for now, let's focus on three easy things:

• Champion Neurodiversity Awareness and Acceptance Training: Encourage your organization to invest in neurodiversity awareness and acceptance training programs (you can sign up to learn more about the awareness sessions which Neurodiversity Pathways provides here). Such initiatives can enlighten your workforce about the unique strengths and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, including autistic employees. Training sessions can demystify common misconceptions, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and equip team members with practical strategies to support an inclusive work environment.

• Support the Formation of Neurodiversity and Disability Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Encourage the establishment of Neurodiversity and Disability Employee Resource Groups within your company. ERGs serve as vital platforms for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and brainstorming accommodations that can enhance workplace productivity and satisfaction for neurodivergent employees. These groups can also be instrumental in advising company leadership on best practices for inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that the workplace is welcoming for everyone.

• Educate Yourself and Others: Seek out resources like our newly published book, Neurodiversity For Dummies, to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace and beyond. This accessible guide offers insights into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, practical tips for fostering an inclusive environment, and strategies for leveraging the unique talents of everyone. Want to know more? Then join use this Thursday, April 04 for an online Book Launch Party as we chat with readers and celebrate our work towards creating a more neuroinclusive world (We hope to see you there!).

By familiarizing yourself with the principles of autism acceptance and sharing this knowledge with colleagues, you can become a catalyst for positive change, promoting an atmosphere where differences are not just recognized but celebrated. Happy Autism Acceptance Month!

John Marble is the founder of Pivot Neurodiversity and is a training partner and classroom instructor with Neurodiversity Pathways. Along with Ranga Jayaraman and Khushboo Chabria , he is the co-author of Neurodiversity For Dummies (Wiley), which is available now. He is autistic.

#Autism #AutismAcceptance #Autistic #AutismAcceptanceMonth #Neurodiversity