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.