In 1970, the Autism Society established April as Autism Awareness Month to help people recognize the signs of autism and learn more about what it is like to live with autism. The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2008.
In 2011, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) began calling April “Autism Acceptance Month.” In 2021, the Autism Society of America made the same change.
What does it mean to move from awareness to acceptance? We encourage you to read these perspectives, particularly those of people with autism.
- Acceptance vs. Awareness
- Autism Acceptance Month vs Autism Awareness Month
- Awareness month? Nah, not over here.
- Autism Acceptance Not Awareness: A Perspective Shift Is Needed
- Autism Acceptance Or Autism Awareness?
In 2023, we shared with you that, as an organization, we were contemplating what it means to move from awareness to acceptance, not just regarding autism but also mental health issues, especially as May, traditionally known as Mental Health Awareness Month, approaches. In 2026, we are firmly grounded in our commitment to acceptance.
We invite you to join us in our commitment to acceptance. These are our thoughts contrasting awareness with acceptance:
- Awareness is often a one-time event (for example, holding a rally to build “awareness,” or reading a list of symptoms). Acceptance is ongoing – what do we all need to do so that everyone is accepted?
- Awareness often focuses on what other people think the individual with the identified condition needs to do (realize they have a problem, get over their “stigma” about treatment, seek out the services others think will help). Acceptance focuses on examining our own beliefs and prejudices and how they stand in the way of developing the kind of support that people say they want.
- Awareness sometimes focuses on activities, such as wearing ribbons and listening to heart-wrenching stories, that make people on the outside looking in feel touched and involved, but don’t bring about real change. Acceptance creates pathways for everyone to work together to improve systems and policies, enabling real change.
- Awareness can focus on symptoms and what is “wrong.” Acceptance focuses on real people, recognizing their strengths, complexities and individuality. Acceptance doesn’t assume that a difference is a weakness; it allows people to decide whether they want support and what kind would be most helpful to them.
- Awareness efforts are sometimes created and implemented by people without lived experience of the conditions, and sometimes without even seeking input from those with lived experience. True acceptance grows out of efforts that are led by people with lived experience.
