Autism Acceptance Month

 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.

Boston City Council:

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.

LA County Fire Dept:

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.

Autism Society Observes Autism Acceptance Month

 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 now observes Autism Acceptance Month, though not everyone agrees. 

 

Presidential Proclamation: World Autism Acceptance Day 2024

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss efforts to raise the issue's profile.

One year ago, President Biden proclaimed World Autism Awareness Day.  

This year's proclamation changes a key word.

 A Proclamation on World Autism Acceptance Day, 2024

    America was founded on the idea that all people are created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout their lives.  Today, we champion the equal rights and dignity of the millions of Americans on the autism spectrum, and we celebrate the immense contributions of all neurodiverse people, whose perspectives and experiences make America a richer Nation.

     Some 5.4 million American adults and 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism.  Their experiences with the condition vary widely, but their talents and potential are too often misunderstood or overlooked.  Autistic people routinely face unnecessary obstacles to securing employment and health care and children face bullying and barriers to education.  We can work to end these disparities and ensure they have an equal opportunity to reach their dreams by making sure that people with autism and those who support them have the resources and tools they need to communicate, grow, work, and achieve greater independence.  

     Early diagnosis can make a big difference, which is why my Administration is funding groundbreaking research to boost access to diagnoses and services that can help autistic people of all ages thrive.  The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services are also working to ensure that young children with disabilities, including autism, have access to high-quality, inclusive early childhood programs so that they can thrive as well as helping schools leverage Medicaid to deliver critical health care services.  Further, my Administration released guidance on how schools can obtain, use, and support assistive technology devices that are essential to the success of some people with disabilities. Meanwhile, the Department of Education is helping public schools avoid discriminatory discipline for autistic students, whose needs can be misunderstood, while also working to get students with autism and their teachers the resources they need to thrive.  We are working to boost understanding among community members who can help keep people with autism safe — I was proud to sign a reauthorization of Kevin and Avonte’s Law, expanding training for first responders and caregivers.  

     My Administration is also making it easier for all Americans to get the health care they need.  We protected and strengthened the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, expanding health care coverage to millions of Americans.  At the same time, we lowered health insurance premiums by $800 per year for millions of Americans.  Through the American Rescue Plan, we provided $37 billion to make it easier for people with disabilities, including autism, to receive the services they need at home and stay active in their communities.  My Budget requests another $150 billion over the next decade to further expand and improve these life-changing services.   

     We owe everyone in this country a fair shot at the American Dream, so we are also working to increase job opportunities for autistic and other historically marginalized Americans who have been shut out for too long.  My Administration is providing State and local governments, private companies, and nonprofits with Federal funding to hire more Americans with disabilities, including those with autism.  I signed an Executive Order to make the Federal workforce more inclusive, and I eliminated the unjust use of sub-minimum wages for people with disabilities by Federal contractors, working to ensure every American has equal protection under the law.   

     Globally, we are advancing disability rights as part of our work to promote democracy, prosperity, and inclusion.  We are prioritizing disability rights in policy discussions with other nations, and we are working through the United States Agency for International Development and as co-chair of the Global Action on Disability Network to stand for the dignity and equal rights of people with disabilities worldwide.

Diversity in all its forms is one of America’s greatest strengths.  Today, we recommit to making the promise of America real for every American on the autism spectrum, upholding our most basic values of decency, fairness, and respect. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2024, as World Autism Acceptance Day.  I call upon all Americans to learn more about autism to improve early diagnosis, to learn more about the experiences of autistic people from autistic people, and to build more welcoming and inclusive communities to support people with autism.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                        JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Argument Against Autism Acceptance

 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.”

Dawn Kovacovich at Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

We adore our autistic daughter exactly as she is. But that doesn't mean we would wish on anyone the heartache, frustrations and limitations she lives with on a daily basis as a result of her condition. She often says she "wishes there were a cure for OCD and autism." Could there be a cure for the neurological dysfunction that causes her brain to cycle in circles and short-circuit into violent tantrums? Maybe there could be. We might never know if funding for autism research is stymied because a certain subset of autistic individuals do not wish to acknowledge it as a disability.

The staggering increase of autism should be great cause for alarm. Research, prevention and programming are seriously affecting by the dismissive tone that AUSM has adopted toward the seriousness of this condition. I am, quite frankly, disgusted by this attitude. AUSM is no longer advocating for half of the very people it claims to serve. While we accept our daughter, we will never "accept" autism — or any other developmental disability.

The National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA) recognizes this. It is long past time to separate the diagnosis of mildly autistic people, whose brain structures more closely resemble ADHD, with those who have been born with profound autism. It is time to recognize that one size does not fit all.

TRICARE Angers Military Families

In The Politics of Autism, I discuss the day-to-day challenges facing autistic people and their families.  As many posts have discussed, the challenges are especially great for military families.

Karen Jowers at Military Times:

A Facebook post from Tricare celebrating April as “Autism Acceptance Month” has struck a nerve, with hundreds of military families criticizing the Defense Department for its health care coverage of autism treatment for military families.

Families complained that recent DoD policy changes have resulted in cuts in coverage for autism treatment.

“What a gross post from a group that has made getting services so difficult for hundreds of people,” wrote Meigan Toland, commenting on Tricare’s simple April 8 post.

At last look on April 11, there were 690 comments to the post, which reads: “We can all work to make room for more inclusivity and tolerance with just a little patience, understanding and education. Learn more about Tricare coverage of Autism treatment: tricare.mil/autism.

The post “immediately, albeit unintentionally, highlighted the concerns and limitations with the changes in autism care that many military families encounter,” stated a press release from the organization Exceptional Families of the Military.

Autism Acceptance/Awareness/Action Month

From the preface to The Politics of Autism.

A major theme of this book is that just about everything concerning autism is subject to argument. There is not even any consensus on what one should call people who have autism and other disabilities. “In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terms such as `Autistic,’ `Autistic person,’ or `Autistic individual’ because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual’s identity,” writes blogger Lydia Brown.[i] Other writers prefer “people-first” language (e.g., “persons with autism”) since it puts the persons ahead of the disability and describes what they have, not who they are.[ii] For the sake of stylistic variety, this book uses both kinds of language, even though this approach will satisfy neither side. I can only say that I mean no offense.

 From the Autism Society

This April, the Autism Society of America is inviting its partners, supporters and world-wide community to be the connection this Autism Acceptance Month. Autism Acceptance Month kicks off on April 1, and the Autism Society is recognizing the multitude of experiences within the Autism community to highlight the critical need for acceptance, inclusion and connections to support people with Autism across the lifespan.

Autism diagnoses are growing, both for children and adults. Last December, the CDC announced that one in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism. Over 7 million people in the United States are on the Autism spectrum. Furthermore, Autism affects people from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic standings. The increased Autism prevalence rate stresses the urgent need for equitable access to diagnostic evaluations, and early interventions that have a significant impact on lifelong outcomes. Read their stories on social media through the #CelebrateDifferences hashtag.

“Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity to advocate and practice acceptance for the Autism community through inclusion, support and connection.” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “No matter who you are, where you live, or your abilities, you should be able to have the connection to supports, services, community and resources needed to live fully.”

In an effort to increase inclusion and acceptance for Autistic individuals in public life, The Autism Society of America has nationwide initiatives and advocacy in key areas, including:
First Responder Training

• Approximately 1 in 5 young adults with Autism will interact with a police officer before the age of 21. Individuals with disabilities, including those with Autism, are five times more likely to be incarcerated than people without disabilities. Additionally, police interactions lead to more injuries and fatalities within this vulnerable population, largely due to lack of training and the improper use of excessive force.
• To adequately prepare all emergency personnel to engage with neurodivergent individuals for safer and more peaceful outcomes, the Autism Society is working to create a top-quality first responder and criminal justice curriculum and training program that can be utilized across the U.S.

COVID-19 Impacts and Response

• People with intellectual disabilities are almost six times more likely to die from COVID-19. Unvaccinated people are 10 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, 17 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 20 times more likely to die. That is why the CDC recommends that everyone ages 12 and up get a booster vaccine.
• The Autism Society has launched a Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) aimed at sharing critical vaccination information to best prevent the worst symptoms of this illness, particularly for those more likely to experience severe symptoms. Through the VEI, the Autism Society is committed to creating long-lasting partnerships that increase health access and promote health equity nationwide.

Employment Advocacy

• Up to 85% of Autistic adults with a college education are unemployed, and over 70% of adults with Autism are underemployed or unemployed. Given the current labor shortage, employers could benefit from expanding their pool of applicants through inclusive hiring practices. Autistic and neurodiverse individuals bring significant skills that can be harnessed when supported through inclusion and accommodations as needed.
• The Autism Society partners with businesses to offer learning opportunities, resources and connections to the wide network of Autistic individuals in the workforce to support inclusive workplace missions.

Acceptance and inclusion are critical to ensuring everyone in the Autism community can access what they need to live to their fullest extent possible. This is vital to improving opportunities in inclusive education, employment, housing, health care, and long-term services and supports for individuals with Autism, no matter where they are in life’s journey.