Autism Acceptance and Advocacy Resources

multicolored and multitextured hands are raised as a layered pattern

April is Autism Acceptance Month. It is important to listen and learn from autistic people’s lived experiences. There are many ways we can support the autism community not just this month, but every month. We should learn from and uplift autistic voices, especially autistic people who are racial or ethnic minorities, are non-speaking, or who have higher support needs or comorbid disabilities.

For more information, check out the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a great resource for general information based out of Washington DC.

Here are some additional recommended reading if you’re looking to learn more about #AutismAcceptanceMonth.

Learn From Autistic People explains why we wear ‘red instead’ rather than lighting it up blue for autism.
Paula Jessop, Altogether Autism’s former autistic advisor, explains the importance of the change from puzzle pieces to rainbow infinity for the autism symbol.
Lydia Brown of Autistic Self Advocacy Network explains why the autistic community chooses identity first language versus person first.

Organizations

The Association for Autistic Community

Autistics Against Curing Autism

Autism Inclusive Meets

The Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (AWN)

Communication First

Foundations for Divergent Minds

International Badass Activists

The Nonspeaking Community Consortium (NCC)

The Autistic Cooperative

The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism

Yellow Ladybugs