Courtesy of the Autism Society of Western New York  

Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors all autistic individuals, emphasizing understanding, inclusion, support, and meaningful acceptance. The children’s book Be a Friend — PEERspective on Autism focuses on meaningful acceptance, emphasizing the different ways atypical and neurotypical people think and learn. It shows how, when we practice acceptance, kindness, and empathy, people can learn from one another and appreciate what makes each of us unique. Kindness is the quality of being friendly and inclusive of those around us. Empathy is being able to understand and care about how someone feels.   

In 2024, PBS developed a groundbreaking, Emmy-winning animated children’s series, Carl the Collector, to celebrate neurodiversity by featuring neurodivergent creators, writers, and voices. Carl, a warm-hearted raccoon with autism, has a laser focus on his goals and a deep passion for collecting everything. He struggles with social nuances, anxiety in new situations, and uses specific body language typical of many Autistic children. 

     
CDC statistics show that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a lifelong developmental condition typically diagnosed in early childhood. ASD affects social skills, communication, relationships, emotional self-regulation, and behavior. As a spectrum disorder, it impacts individuals differently and to varying degrees — some are nonverbal, others have atypical speech, and some struggle maintaining typical back-and-forth communication. Some nonverbal individuals successfully use alternative communication systems. Others can attend college but struggle with planning and self-regulation (executive function).                                                                             

The Autism Society Western New York, along with the Autism Society (national), is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Autism is more than just a diagnosis; it is identity, community, and lived experiences that encompass both challenges and triumphs. Learn more at www.autismwny.org and www.autism.org, or email info@autismwny.org.