April is National Autism Awareness Month, Every April 2, also dubbed World Autism Awareness Day, is for autism organizations around the world, as well as people with autism and their supporters to come together in the stride of giving people with autism, also known as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an opportunity to reach their entire potential in political, economic and social platforms.

Considering that about 1 in 54 people under the age of 21 are diagnosed with autism every year in the United States (at least, according to various online sources) it’s very easy to say that autism is very common. The amount of diagnoses seem to have risen every decade. As a result, many people, including myself, have 1 or more family member(s) or friend(s) that has autism.

Because autism affects many children (and people, in general) around the world, it’s important that we do our best to support people with autism and their stride to make a difference in the communities. But, how exactly do we become aware, understand, accept, and support the cause for equality? That is where I come in.

Disclaimer~Let me say that I cannot speak from the point of view of a person in the autism spectrum. Every person, with or without autism, is different, so if you are in the spectrum, an advocate, or simply someone wanting to learn more about the subject, feel free to add any feedback in the comments to add onto to what I say and/or express your thoughts on other ways to support autism acceptance. Thanks! ♡

Back to my main subject: here are a few ways to support the cause! Enjoy!

1.) Address a Person with Autism with Respect — Most of the time, it is generally standard to refer to someone who has autism as a “person with autism” rather than an “autistic person,” if a situation where you are introducing them comes into play. While the two phrases may seem like the same thing to some, putting the word “person” before the word “autism” is acknowledging the person or people as individuals and human beings before the fact that they are in the autistic spectrum. However, you may want to ask the person with autism what they prefer to be referred to, and go based on that, as the answer can vary depending on the individual.

2.) Befriend or Spend Time with a Person in the Autism Spectrum — Try spending time with a person who has autism. Sometimes, it takes hands-on experience of being with a person to be able to understand them and how they think on another level. Showing support towards someone who is affected by autism can be a great way to spread awareness to your community and be an advocate towards the cause of celebrating differences.

3.) Educate Yourself — It can be a little tough to support a cause when you aren’t even completely aware of what autism is, how it affects people, and what you can do to help. All it takes is a little internet research to set you in motion to being a better example and advocate in your community.

4.) Donate to Charitable (and Reliable) Autism Organizations — This one may be a little obvious, but its always a great idea to support a good cause of any kind by donating to organizations that pour back into their communities. If you’d like to find some autism organizations, click HERE to view a list.

5.) Wear Blue — Blue is the “official” color to celebrate autism awareness and spreading the word in our communities. Therefore, another nice way to show your support is wearing the color blue throughout April. You can even post a selfie of yourself wearing blue and include the tag #LightitUpBlue to put a stamp on the statement that you will be making through the color.

Thank you all so much for reading some tips for how to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day as well as Autism Awareness Month. This post was really rewarding to write~it makes me happy to use my love for writing to spread awareness of messages of equality and unity.

Autism is not a disability in any shape or form. It is just another beautiful way to see the world.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! 💙