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Get ready to spread awareness and acceptance for individuals with Autism during World Autism Month, which takes place every April 1! This month-long observance started in the 1970s by the Autism Society of America and has since grown into a global movement. It's a time to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of those on the autism spectrum, while also promoting understanding and inclusion for all. So let's come together to support and celebrate our loved ones with Autism this month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1943</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Autism Identification</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Leo Kanner of the Johns Hopkins Hospital first identified autism as a unique disorder separate from schizophrenia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Autism Services Network Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Autism Society of America was established, becoming the first organization dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Autism Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Autism Society of America launches the first nationwide effort to promote autism awareness with the inaugural National Autistic Children’s week, which later evolved into Autism Awareness Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>United Nations Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, marking global recognition for those with autism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Transition to World Autism Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Autism Society of America expanded the celebration to World Autism Month, promoting acceptance and awareness at a global scale.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself about autism</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about autism and how it affects individuals and families. This can help increase understanding and acceptance of those with autism.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations hold fundraising events during World Autism Month. Consider participating in a walk, run, or other event to support autism research and advocacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share information and resources about autism. This can help educate others and promote understanding and acceptance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an autism-friendly event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for events in your community that are specifically designed to be inclusive and welcoming for individuals with autism. This can be a great opportunity to support and celebrate the autism community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at an autism organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider volunteering your time at a local autism organization. This can be a rewarding way to make a difference and show support for those with autism and their families.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Autism Month is a time to bring attention and understanding to individuals with autism. It helps educate people about the disorder, its symptoms, and how we can support and include those on the spectrum in our communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes acceptance and inclusion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Autism Month also serves as a reminder that individuals with autism are an important part of our society and deserve to be included and accepted just like anyone else. It's a chance for communities to come together and celebrate differences rather than stigmatize them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports research and advocacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During World Autism Month, many organizations organize events to raise funds for autism research and advocacy. These efforts help further our understanding of the disorder and lead to better support and resources for individuals with autism and their families.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Puzzle Piece Symbol Has Historical Significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Adopted in 1963, the puzzle piece symbol, often seen pinned to shirts or used in logos during World Autism Month, represents the puzzling nature of autism and the missing pieces of understanding the condition.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Color Blue is Associated with Autism Advocacy</h3><p class='facts-content'>During World Autism Month, many global landmarks are illuminated in blue to show support for the autism community. This initiative, called "Light It Up Blue", is organized by Autism Speaks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Autism Month Recognizes a Spectrum</h3><p class='facts-content'>Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, encompasses a wide range of abilities and disabilities, recognizing that no two individuals with autism are the same. World Autism Month acknowledges this diversity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Deeper Meaning Behind "Autism Friendly"</h3><p class='facts-content'>During this month, creating "autism friendly" events means incorporating sensory-friendly adaptations and providing a welcoming environment where individuals with autism can enjoy and participate without overwhelmed senses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Autism Month Engages Global Leaders</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since the UN's recognition, World Autism Month engages politicians and lawmakers worldwide, leading to discussions and coordinated initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of people on the spectrum globally.</p></div></div>
World Autism Month is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 World Autism Month will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
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