By Shari King April 19, 2016 Reposted from Exceptional Lives Blog 
​http://exceptionallives.org/true-meaning-autism-awareness-month/

The phrase “Autism Awareness and Acceptance” can elicit many feelings, and today, I would challenge us all to consider what it truly means. What follows is a summary of some of the lessons learned from some of the most capable, loving, devoted and remarkable parents. These lessons apply not only to autistic children, but all children.

AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE IS TO BE OPEN, TO BE COMPASSIONATE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, TO BE KIND.
Give a smile to the mom in the grocery store whose child is tantrumming over the candy bar that she’s so desperately managing to keep him from. Invite the child with autism to your child’s birthday party and make sure that those parents know that their child is genuinely welcome—whether it be for five minutes, for an hour or maybe hopefully, the entire time. If a child falls apart in your presence, ask that parent, “what can I do to make this better for you?”
Ask questions. Reserve judgment. Don’t assume you know more than you do.

Give your friend a hug or the squeeze of your hand when their child has the bravery to make it through a school performance. Be there for her with a shoulder to lean on, in her isolation, when he does not. Teach your children about inclusivity, that it is not merely a concept or an accommodation but a lesson in how we treat others. It is a horrible feeling to be excluded and there are gifts of friendship to be found in all of us. Acceptance is not simply to tolerate one another but to value our differences and to recognize the strengths that lie within all people.

EVERYBODY HAS DIFFERENCES. ALL PEOPLE MATTER.
Work harder to reach out. Be kind. Teach your kids about the act of kindness and that kindness benefits everybody. Know that kindness needs to be taught and continuously reinforced. Be proactive to affect change. Imagine what you would want if the tables were turned.

Stand up for the rights of all people, whether your child is “neurotypical,” “quirky,” “special needs,” “disabled,” “differently abled,” different,” or any label. A label does not even begin to tell the whole story about a child, their family or, their strength in love.

Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been steadily rising for many years. Today, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with ASD. Now more than ever, it’s important for everyone to be educated about autism and how to support individuals and families affected by ASD.

As a spectrum disorder, ASD affects people in different ways. While one person with ASD may exhibit significant disability, another may not show any signs except under stress. Some may have strong conversation skills, while others lack the ability to speak. One person may have above average intelligence, while another is cognitively delayed. People with ASD also may have unusual reactions to sensory input, and may exhibit behaviors that appear suspicious, heightened because they are experiencing stress.

Since 1971, AuSM has offered individuals with autism from birth through retirement a place to learn, access services, and develop skills for navigating what can initially be foreign emotions and information. AuSM helps individuals build a community – one that acts without judgment, searches for new possibilities, and connects families, professionals, and the world to each other.

​Join AuSM this April to celebrate Autism Awareness Month, a time for our community to come together to educate others about autism. Twist Office Products is partnering with AuSM to sell puzzle pieces, share information, and increase awareness.
 
If you’re interested in partnering with AuSM for Autism Awareness Month, please contact us at ojames@ausm.org or call 651.647.1083 ext. 23.