Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, and the month begins with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, established by the United Nations in 2007, which serves as a focal point for global events and campaigns.
What is Autism?
According to the organization Autism Speaks, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism affects an estimated 1 in 127 people globally, 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.
Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
According to the National Autism Data Center, on average, autism is diagnosed around age 5 in the U.S., with signs appearing by age 2 or 3. Current diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR break down the ASD diagnosis into three levels based on the amount of support a person might need: level 1, level 2, and level 3.
There are Many Kinds of Autism
Many people with autism experience other medical, behavioral or mental health issues that affect their quality of life.
Among the most common co-occurring conditions are:
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- anxiety and depression
- gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
- seizures and sleep disorders
Anybody can be autistic, regardless of sex, age, race or ethnicity. However, research from the CDC says that boys get diagnosed with autism four times more often than girls. According to the DSM-5-TR, the diagnostic manual for ASD, autism may look different in girls and boys. Girls may have more subtle presentation of symptoms, fewer social and communication challenges, and fewer repetitive behaviors. Their symptoms may go unrecognized by doctors, often leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Getting a diagnosis is also harder for autistic adults, who often learn to “mask”, or hide, their autism symptoms.
Autism is a lifelong condition, and an autistic person’s needs, strengths and challenges may change over time. As they transition through life stages, they may need different types of support and accommodations. Early intervention and therapies can make a big difference in a person’s skills and outcomes later in life.
Purpose and Significance
The observance emphasizes moving beyond mere awareness to acceptance and meaningful support. It highlights the strengths, resilience, and unique perspectives of autistic individuals while addressing barriers they face in education, employment, healthcare, and social inclusion. The month encourages communities to create neuroinclusive environments and to celebrate the diversity of human cognition.
History
Autism Awareness Month originated in the 1970s, initiated by psychologist Bernard Rimland to improve public understanding of autism. The U.S. Congress officially designated April as National Autism Awareness Month in 1988. Over time, advocacy groups and autistic selfadvocates have shifted the focus from awareness to acceptance, emphasizing respect, inclusion, and valuing neurodiversity.
How to Participate
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about autism and share accurate information on social media using hashtags like #AutismAcceptance and #CelebrateDifferences.
- Support AutisticLed Organizations: Donate or volunteer with groups such as the Autism Society or the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
- Community Events: Attend or organize inclusive events, workshops, or fundraisers to celebrate neurodiversity.
- Wear Symbols of Support: Don blue, red, or rainbow infinity apparel to show solidarity.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Promote legislation that ensures access to education, healthcare, and employment for autistic individuals.
Symbols to Know
- Blue: Traditionally associated with autism awareness, symbolizing calmness and understanding.
- Rainbow Infinity Symbol: Represents neurodiversity and the infinite spectrum of human neurological experience.
- #RedInstead Campaign: Encourages wearing red to focus on acceptance rather than just awareness.
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