Thriving on the Spectrum: Honoring Autism Awareness Month

 April is National Autism Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Originally just a week-long event started in 1972, it expanded to a month-long event in 2021 to promote acceptance and understanding of autism.

Growing up, I didn’t know anyone with autism and throughout my childhood never encountered anyone on the spectrum. Fast forward as an adult for every 5 people I know, one of them has a family member or knows a family that has someone on the spectrum mainly from Generation Z. It is thus very important that for people like me who are ‘new’ on encountering people with autism that there is continuous learning.

This year’s theme for Autism Awareness Month is “Moving from Surviving to Thriving,” and the Autism Society encourages everyone to help create a more inclusive society where autistic individuals are acknowledged and provided with opportunities.

Personally I will be celebrating my nephew Adam and cheering my sister Jackey for  effortlessly being a one man army in her community of  Malaga, Spain as she continue to promote acceptance, inclusivity and understanding of  Adam’s unique strengths and perspectives as just another 10 year old boy. I still remember the first time he confidently said, “Hello Aunt Joey” I felt like I had won the lottery. And over the years, he has made so much progress and I’m sure he will amount to much.

During this month and beyond, I invite you to share stories about the daily lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and highlight their contributions. If you know a real Good Doctor like Shaun Murphy in the ABC series that would be a great read.

Remember that together we can work towards a society that empowers individuals with autism to thrive.

The World through Art

 

World Art Day is celebrated annually on April 15 as declared by the International Association of Art and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

This day was first celebrated in 2012 and promotes the sharing and enjoyment of art while highlighting its contribution to cultural diversity, education and sustainable development. On this day, people are encouraged to engage with art through various activities, exhibitions and cultural events.

World Art day promotes diverse art expressions and encourages creativity. Various forms of art  such as painting, sculpting, drawing, photography and calligraphy are recognized as well as performance arts like dance, theater and music.

Engaging with art has been shown to improve mental and emotional wellbeing especially as it encourages creativity innovation and self-expression.  Art unites as it transcends borders, languages and cultures, bringing people together highlighting the richness and diversity of art forms worldwide.  It also fosters empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.

By celebrating World Art Day we recognize the significance of art in our lives and its ability to bring people together, inspire creativity and promote understanding.