Autism

Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Day are opportunities to raise awareness for the acceptance and integration of individuals on the autism spectrum.

• April is Autism Acceptance Month.
• April 2 is World Autism Day.

Every single day of the year, the Munroe-Meyer Institute and our community partner, Autism Action Partnership, celebrates individuals on the autism spectrum. But in April, we go big! Because April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we think that deserves a little more.

A Shift From Awareness to Acceptance

In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. April was recognized as World Autism Month and was widely referred to as Autism Awareness Month. For over a decade, many people across the world have celebrated the differences of those living with autism using this language.

But in recent years, some advocates have called for a change reminding us that although education about autism is important, it is critical to show support for their community. In response, there has been an intentional evolution to deem April as Autism Acceptance Month.

• In 2021, we shifted our language to match the growing need for acceptance within the autism community.
• While building awareness is a good foundation, acceptance and integration promotes action.

A Spectrum of Opinions

The spectrum of Autism also includes differences in perspective. Please take a moment to learn the different ways individuals choose to be recognized and celebrated. Above all, please understand that Munroe-Meyer Institute and Autism Action Partnership support the Light It Up movement as well as people with supporting viewpoints that align with other color symbolism.

• The ultimate goal for all of us is to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change.