Autism Awareness Day
During the month of April, you may notice more of the iconic red, yellow, blue, and purple puzzle pieces, see communities “light it up blue”, and notice more autism-oriented happenings. These simple visuals help raise awareness and education around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and celebrate unique individuals with ASD and their families. That’s because April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)! Each year, April 2nd carries a different meaning. The theme of 2020 focuses on ‘the transition to adulthood’. This includes post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart, but people with ASD may communicate, behave, and learn in ways that are different from others. Each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges; some people with ASD need help in their daily lives while others do not. According to the CDC, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the US.
What can you do for World Autism Awareness Day?
Educate yourself and others around you! It’s easy for us to get lost in the information floating around out there (both facts and myths). Here are some reliable sources that offer simple, easy to understand information for both you and your children—it’s never too early to begin educating!
Take the pledge to celebrate differences by committing to educate and/or fundraise in your community! You can find more information about taking the pledge at https://autismsociety.formstack.com/forms/naam_take_the_pledge
Visit https://shop.autismspeaks.org/ for the 2020 WAAD gifts and apparel to show off throughout the month of April! Each purchase supports the mission of autismspeaks.org.
Light it up blue! This is an easy thing to do, even while social distancing!
- Wear something blue on April 2nd in support of understanding and acceptance for people with autism
- Share blue. Print the autismspeaks.org #LightItUpBlue sign, take a selfie with it, and post it on social media using the hashtag #LightItUpBlue
- Spread blue. Add the kindness frame to your facebook or twitter profile picture
- Support blue. Start a facebook fundraiser for World Autism month
- Spread kindness. Autismspeaks.org is asking people around the world to come together to make 2020 the year of kindness by taking the #KindnessChallenge. Here’s how you can take the kindness challenge…
- Write or film a kind and uplifting message to your followers on social media. There is no wrong way to be kind, make the challenge your own.
- Post it and tag @autismspeaks and three of your friends and nominate them to post kind messages of their own.
- Watch the kindness and positivity that you sparked, spread!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR OUR BLUE ON APRIL 2!
