April is international Autism Acceptance Month! This is a time dedicated to raising awareness, showing understanding, educating yourself and others on the disorder, and celebrating the value people with Autism bring to our world. Many Autistic people face discrimination on a daily basis starting from a very young age, one of the biggest things being social exclusion, whether that is at work, school, or anywhere in public. In schools especially, Autistic people can become an easy target for bullying, with more than 60% of Autistic people reporting that they have been bullied for the disorder they were born with, and cannot control. Autism acceptance month is an opportunity to destigmatize the disorder, we shouldn’t assume we know who somebody is, or what experience they have just because they are Autistic. There are a lot of ways you can participate in Autism acceptance, like learning more about the disorder, and hearing an Autistic person’s point of view as well. There is so much media that has been made by Autistic people that is about Autism, and it can be very eye-opening. It is important to hear their side of the story so people do not make incorrect assumptions, and to understand the most we possibly can about their experience. If you hear someone making fun of Autism, correct them. Autism is not a disease, and should not be treated like one. So let's use Autism Acceptance Month as a chance to show empathy, celebrate individuality, and work toward a world where all people, regardless of their differences, are accepted, understood, and respected.
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