World Autism Acceptance Day

Autism? It’s a Spectrum!

Autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviors.
And it’s called a spectrum and not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis, because every individual with autism is unique, like a fingerprint or a snowflake.
People with autism experience the world differently – maybe they’re super sensitive to noise, or take things very literally. Some folks with autism might be social butterflies, while others prefer their own company.
Autism isn’t a disease, it’s a spectrum of infinite colors!

The Origin of World Autism Acceptance Day

On November 1st, 2007 the United Nations officially declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to bring attention to a condition that affects millions worldwide and to foster acceptance and inclusion.

However the term of “World Autism Awareness Day” is often contested by autism rights advocates because of how often this day is hijacked by ableist movements that spread misinformation about autism. They proposed to use the name World Autism Acceptance Day instead to promote acceptance over prejudices.
We from Wild Calendar understand that simple words can hold a lot of difference when it comes to proper communication and understanding and therefore changed the name of this event on our calendar.

Wired Different, Not Wrong

World Autism Acceptance Day aims to increase a better understanding of autism, because there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about autism floating around clouding our view on the full rainbow of this multifaceted condition.
For many people seeing the movie “Rain Man” was their first and only source of information about autism. Most people on the spectrum are nothing like the character that Dustin Hofman played in that movie. Actually, you’d be surprised at how many people that you know have some form of autism. It’s often not noticeable because most autistic people have normal intelligence and most people are at least a little peculiar.
The autistic people that hit the news often have either a very severe form or have another condition along with their autism. These persons are a rare minority. Most people on the spectrum are merely just as normal or weird as anybody else.
It’s the fully “normal” people that are a very rare occurrence and, let’s be honest, most normal looking people are probably just faking it. 😉

Rainbows, Not Puzzles!

The notion that autism is a disorder that must be cured is contested by most people on the spectrum. They are happy with how they are and are usually fully functional, though sometimes they need some accommodations like a less noisy environment or scheduled breaks to recharge.
Movements that pathologize autism, picturing them as unfinished puzzles and people who need to be cured are hurtful and condescending.
Using puzzle pieces and “Light it up Blue” (an event endorsed by an autism-unfriendly movement) are therefore discouraged for support symbols.
Please trash the puzzle pieces and set your blue lights to rainbow instead. Autism is not a puzzle to solve, but a journey to embrace with open hearts!

Paint with Rainbows

World Autism Acceptance Day is about sparking curiosity and acceptance. Read a book about autism, watch a documentary, or strike up a conversation with someone autistic. You might be surprised at what you learn!
Spread the word, share stories and show some love and support to those in the autism community.
The symbol for autism acceptance is an infinity symbol and a rainbow. (Step away from the puzzle pieces!)

Thinking Outside the Box? Welcome to the Club! 

So there you have it! World Autism Acceptance Day is a chance to learn more about autism, celebrate neurodiversity and spread a little acceptance magic.Now go forth, spread love and embrace the rainbow of neurodiversity!
Play your favorite music, wear seamless rainbow socks and if anyone gives you a sideways glance, just tell them Wild Calendar said it’s perfectly acceptable (and it is!).

Happy World Autism Acceptance Day!