In The Politics of Autism, I write:
The most basic questions trigger angry arguments. For instance, into what category do we put autism in the first place? In 2013, President Obama said that “we’re still unable to cure diseases like Alzheimer's or autism or fully reverse the effects of a stroke.” The language of “disease” and “cure” offends some in the autism community. “We don’t view autism as a disease to be cured and we don’t think we need fixing,” says Ari Ne’eman of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. “We do feel comfortable with the word disability because we understand what it means.” From this perspective, autism is difference that requires accommodation, not an illness that requires eradication. Adherents of this position liken autism to homosexuality, which psychiatrists once deemed to be a disorder. Conversely, some parents take offense at opposition to a cure. “Anyone with the mental and verbal ability to challenge autism research is not autistic on a scale that I care to recognize,” writes autism parent James Terminello. “Opposition to finding a cure is particularly hurtful to parents who still mourn the loss of the child that could have been. A line has been crossed.”
The Autism Society and many other organizations now observe Autism Acceptance Month, though not everyone agrees.
Brooke Lordino at USC Annenberg:
After the Autism Society of America decided to change “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” in 2021, the meaning of the initiative broadened to advocate — not just for more inclusion in society — but for acceptance within the autism community itself.
“It started out as autism awareness just because folks really were not familiar with autism,” said Andy Kopito, president of the Autism Society of Los Angeles, in an interview with Annenberg Media.
“Now we’re more focused on how they can better accept people who are on the spectrum and figure out how to work with them,” he said.
Kopito said he has two children with autism; a daughter who is mildly impacted and a son who is impacted to a higher degree. The biggest change he has noticed throughout his time as a parent has been improved public reaction and engagement with those on the spectrum.
“When he was younger, people used to look at him and ask ‘why isn’t he talking? Why is he making those sounds,’” Kopito said of his son. “Now when he’s out in the community, whether it’s going to the movies, or at the gym, people react in such a positive way and are so kind.”
Kopito continued, “the warmth that people show, it is showing that this whole idea of acceptance is working in our society and that gives me hope for the future that people with autism are going to be able to live their best lives out in the community.”
Public and community awareness has enabled people to feel less afraid to seek help and get diagnosed, according to a study done by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
With a focus on understanding, inclusion, and community, the Council has officially adopted a resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month.
Offered by Councilors Durkan, Breadon, and Pepén, the resolution highlights the importance of moving beyond awareness toward genuine acceptance. Originally established as Autism Awareness Month in 1970, the observance was reframed in 2021 to emphasize inclusion and to celebrate the diverse experiences of people on the autism spectrum.
The Council’s recognition underscores that autism is not only a diagnosis, but also an identity, a community, and a lived experience. It also acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with autism, including barriers in education, employment, housing, and other aspects of daily life.
The resolution points to the vital role of local organizations – such as Autism Speaks, the Aspire Program at Mass General Brigham, STRIVE Boston, and the Common Room – in advancing advocacy, support, and resources for the autism community.
By adopting this resolution, the Council affirms its commitment to equity and inclusion, honoring the contributions of individuals with autism and recognizing their impact across all areas of civic life.
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) recognizes and celebrates Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month and looks forward to the 5th annual Sirens of Silence community event, A Special Day with First Responders, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in the City of Pomona.
In partnership with the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC), this year’s event will welcome families who have loved ones with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as neurodivergent individuals to meet and engage with public safety partners, health agencies, and community partners – like the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles County Department Aging and Disabilities, Pomona Police Department, Falck, and Western University of Health Sciences, to name a few.
Individuals of all ages will have the opportunity to see and interact with representatives from each of these wonderful agencies, as well as their apparatus/equipment and gear, in a sensory-friendly space. The entire community is welcome to attend. For additional information, click here.
The LACoFD’s award-winning Sirens of Silence program promotes ASD and neurodiversity, education, and inclusion through training and extensive free resources available on our website.
