April is Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Month. Autism awareness is most definitely something to appreciate during this month, considering BPHS supports several organizations, clubs, etc. that support students with intellectual disabilities, such as autism.

According to www.ufmcpueblo.com, the first National Autism Awareness Month was held by the Autism Society in April 1970.

However, despite this, the idea/concept of autism awareness, acceptance, and appreciation was first founded and invented in 1972 by the Autism Society who launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM).

According to autismofpa.org, “Our mission is to be a lifeline and hub for families and adults, providing support, information, and advocacy.

Founded by parents in 1996, Autism Connection of PA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving thousands of people seeking help for autism concerns. Professional staff, all parents who understand, provide telephone support, weekly autism news, autism-friendly activities, and coordinate support groups across Pennsylvania.”

Why acknowledge this month?

Because it is an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible. (www.autism-society.org)

How can you get involved, celebrate and support this great month?

You can donate or start a Facebook fundraiser to benefit Autism Speaks.

You can sign up to host a Kindness Break to spread kindness virtually in the community while raising crucial funds to fuel the mission.

You can access resources to make sharing kindness easy. Access tools to advocate with and for people with autism in local communities.

All of these are acceptable and exceptional ways to acknowledge this month. You can even create a post/story about this to bring awareness to social media, such as platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, and even TikTok.

Autism speaks. You must listen.