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April is Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate the diverse experiences and strengths of people on the autism spectrum. It’s also a moment to deepen our understanding, promote inclusion, and continue building communities where everyone feels valued.
Symbolism
You may have noticed conversations around the symbol often associated with autism: the puzzle piece. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the puzzle piece was meant to represent the complexity of autism and the idea of fitting in. Over time, however, some in the autistic community have expressed concerns that the symbol can feel outdated or even suggest that autistic people are “missing” something or need to be “solved.”
Today, many advocates and individuals on the spectrum prefer symbols like the infinity loop, which represents the broad spectrum of neurodiversity and the idea that there is no one way to be human. It’s a shift toward acceptance, not just awareness—recognizing the full lives, unique perspectives, and contributions of autistic people.
Spectrum
When we talk about autism as a “spectrum,” we’re acknowledging that no two autistic people share the same profile. Some individuals may be nonverbal and require significant support in daily living; others may excel in pattern recognition, thrive in specialized fields, or experience sensory sensitivities that shape how they interact with the world.
- Broad variation
Autism can influence social communication, sensory processing, and behavior in countless ways. For example, one person might find loud crowds overwhelming, while another may seek out sensory experiences. Neither is “more” or “less” autistic—they’re simply different points along a diverse continuum. - Strengths and challenges
Many autistic people contribute remarkable talents in areas like mathematics, art, or memory. Still, they may face barriers in environments that prioritize neurotypical norms without accommodation. Recognizing this spectrum means celebrating abilities and addressing obstacles with empathy and practical support.
Language
Words carry weight. The labels and phrases we choose can either affirm an individual’s identity or alienate them. Here are some guiding principles:
- Person‑first vs. identity‑first
- Person‑first (“person with autism”) emphasizes the individual before the diagnosis.
- Identity‑first (“autistic person”) recognizes autism as an intrinsic part of one’s identity.
Many autistic adults prefer one over the other—so it’s always best to ask and to honor each person’s choice.
- Avoid deficit‑based language
Phrases like “suffers from autism” or “victim of autism” imply that autism is inherently tragic. Instead, use neutral or positive descriptors:- “Jane is autistic”
- “Carlos has autism”
- “She experienced sensory overwhelm”
- Steer clear of stereotypes
Don’t assume every autistic person is a “math genius” or lacks empathy. Stereotypes oversimplify a vast spectrum and erase real individual differences. - Highlight strengths and supports
When discussing autism, balance any mention of challenges with recognition of talents and resilience. Talk about accommodations, community resources, and success stories.