Q: I have seen “Autism Awareness Month” and “Autism Acceptance Month” in different places. Is one better than the other or more politically correct?
– Mum of Daughter aged 6
A:
Good question, and one that there is no right or wrong answer to. However, there are a number of things to consider regarding these special days, for any disability or minority, especially when in regard to neurodivergence.
Awareness
When it comes to “being aware” of autism, I think it’s pretty safe to say the vast majority of people already know it exists. So what sort of things are usually discussed when trying to raise awareness of autism?
- The external, negative characteristics that some autistic people exhibit: lack of eye contact, mutism, social skill deficits, meltdowns.
- Impact on society: school concerns, parental concerns, employability, health requirements, NDIS funding.
- Limitations: statistics regarding education level, employment, dependence.
Use of the word awareness should only be approved if done right. Autistic voices. Honesty. Highlighting strengths as well as difficulties.
Acceptance
A number of people and organisations have moved to using the word “Acceptance” instead, believing that this is the next step after awareness.
When used with genuine inclusion, this is a positive word. However, some feel it holds negative connotations in that neurotypical people don’t need to be accepted to be part of society – they just are. Actively flagging that you are willing to accept someone can give the impression that it might be understandable to not accept them for who they are.
Yellow Ladybugs uses the phrase “Autism Acceptance” in ideal context:
“[…]AMPLIFYING AUTISTIC VOICES, IN PARTICULAR SHINING A LIGHT ON THE INTERNALISED PRESENTATION OFTEN EXPERIENCED BY AUTISTIC GIRLS, WOMEN AND GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS – WHO ARE OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, MISDIAGNOSED OR MISSED ALL TOGETHER.”
YELLOW LADYBUGS, WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY 2023
Other Options
Neither Awareness or Acceptance are negative, if used genuinely without being patronising, judgemental, or othering.
To highlight the strengths and benefits of Autism, some people have suggested it be changed to World Autism Celebration Month instead.
Yellow Ladybugs and The Autistic Realm Australia are always strong sources of neuroaffirming, autistic-lead approaches. If you’re ever unsure of terms like this, they’re a safe lead to follow.
And whichever phrase you choose to use, please have a read about the impact of the puzzle piece on many autistic people before you use the puzzle ribbon imagery.