--- title: 7 Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month description: Discover ways to increase awareness and acceptance for the Autistic community and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder this April. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/autism.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/celebrate-autism-awareness-month#main-content) [![nn\_logo\_wide\_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Autism](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/autism) # 7 Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month ![A design of clouds and the word "autism"](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/autism.jpeg) A lot of people start feeling blue this time of year—but in a good way. How? By acknowledging and celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, a yearly phenomenon designed to educate as many people as possible about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether or not you have a loved one with ASD, you have an array of options for participating and helping further the goals of this acceptance initiative. ## When is Autism Awareness Month? April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Autism Awareness Day on April 2 officially kicks off this month of awareness every year. It was formerly known as Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Month but shifted from *awareness* to *acceptance* in recent years as people with ASD began rightfully demanding societal accommodations.  ### Brief History of Autism Acceptance Month Autism as a discrete, diagnosable [neurodevelopmental disorder](https://neuronav.org/self-deterimination-hub/what-is-neurodiversity) began picking up steam in the mid-1900s and is now recognized as a broad spectrum of conditions that typically begin in childhood.  The latter half of the 20th century saw efforts by various foundations and associations to increase awareness of ASD, and April gradually started to become associated with ASD.  Finally, The United Nations approved April 2, 2008, as World Autism Awareness Day. In the years that followed, many of the same groups that promoted awareness championed acceptance for those with ASD. The Autism Society of America officially declared April Autism Acceptance Month in 2021. ### Recognizing Autism Acceptance Month Your Way The running theme for the newly rebranded Autism Acceptance Month is “Celebrate Differences.” Your community might have Autism Acceptance Month activities or other localized ways of getting involved. From the comfort of your own home, though, you may do the following:  1. Read books from the famed [Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance collection](https://www.libib.com/u/neurodiversity). 2. Equip yourself or a loved one with toolkits from the [Autism Self Advocacy Network](https://autisticadvocacy.org/resources/) (ASAN). 3. Contribute to the [Autism Society](https://autismsociety.org/ways-to-give/) or encourage others to do the same. 4. Get to know your local [Autism Society Affiliate](https://autismsociety.org/contact-us/#affiliate-list). 5. Attend a [virtual event](https://www.autismspeaks.org/events) offered through Autism Speaks. 6. Support a business owned by [someone with ASD](https://www.autismspeaks.org/shop-little-help-lot). 7. Post the importance of ASD awareness and acceptance on your social media accounts. ### Key Autism Spectrum Disorder Statistics Want to brush up on your facts about ASD and spread the word? Check out these key autism spectrum disorder statistics to learn more about the community. - As awareness and acceptance of ASD grows, [more children and adults are being diagnosed](https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd#:~:text=Autism%20Prevalence&text=1%20in%2036%20children%20in,rate%20of%201%20in%2044.&text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20about%204,diagnosed%20with%20autism%20than%20girls.). In 2022, researchers estimated that around **1 in 36** children (born in 2012) have been diagnosed with ASD. In contrast, only about **1 in 150** children born in 1992 were diagnosed with ASD. - The average age for ASD diagnosis is **five years old**; however, boys, who are around **four times more likely** than girls to be diagnosed, often get diagnosed sooner.  - Nearly **six million U.S. adults** have ASD. Even with early intervention and other target care modalities, only about 60% of adults with ASD [are consistently employed](https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-numbers-key-findings). ### Can NeuroNav Help Your Loved One with Autism Spectrum Disorder? Many individuals in California with ASD qualify for [Regional Center](https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/) services, which applies to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs). Californians who fall into that category have found some success with the Self-Determination Program (SDP), a new way of receiving services that puts customers and their goals first. [NeuroNav](https://neuronav.org/services) offers a neurodiverse team of experienced independent facilitators to help you or a loved one get the most out of the SDP. For more information on our services, feel free to sign up for a [free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation).   ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![Two hands holding a colorful fidget toy over a pink background](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/34.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/understanding-different-stimming-behavior) [Wellness](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/wellness), [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy), [Neurodiversity](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity) ### [A Guide to Understanding Different Types of Stimming Behavior](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/understanding-different-stimming-behavior) March 11, 2025 For autistic and other neurodivergent people, sensory input can be both a source of stress and a tool for regulating... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/understanding-different-stimming-behavior) [![Autistic adult smiling and holding dog](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/dog.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/top-employment-opportunities-for-autistic-adults) [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy), [Neurodiversity](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity) ### [Top 7 Employment Opportunities for Autistic Adults](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/top-employment-opportunities-for-autistic-adults) November 21, 2024 Autistic adults often have unique and valuable skills that make them wonderful employees and team members. It’s... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/top-employment-opportunities-for-autistic-adults) [![An older autistic adult standing in front of greenery and smiling with his arms crossed.](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/125.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/life-older-autistic-adults) [Neurodiversity & Disability Education](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/neurodiversity-disability-education), [Independent Living & Life Skills](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living-life-skills) ### [What Does Life Look Like for Older Autistic Adults?](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/life-older-autistic-adults) April 7, 2026 Autism is often discussed in childhood, but autistic people grow up, grow older, and continue navigating new stages of... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/life-older-autistic-adults) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2024-05-01T15:00:02.650Z", "datePublished" : "2024-05-01T15:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "7 Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/autism.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/celebrate-autism-awareness-month", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```