As you walked through the halls in early April, you may have noticed bright colors and puzzle pieces on display. On April 2nd, people come together annually to celebrate Autism Awareness Day. This day offers support, understanding, and acceptance for those who have autism.
Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay
Autism is a neurological condition that can affect communication, behavior, or sensory processing. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 127 people is diagnosed with autism. People who have autism continue to face stigma, discrimination, and inequalities. Having a day dedicated to raising awareness for the struggles these people face raises awareness and celebrates the differences in each individual with autism.
Autism awareness day first began in 1970. One of its goals is to perpetuate the notion that autism is not a weakness, but a super power.
Ms. Jamie Haftek-Shopshear, a teacher here at LRHS who works with students with disabilities said that, “Our students with Autism are super friendly and love to be members of the Lakeland School Community.”
On Autism Awareness day, you may see a lot of people wearing blue. This is due to the “Light It Up Blue” campaign. Wearing this color shows that you support and accept individuals with autism. Another big symbol for this day is puzzle pieces. This symbolizes the complexity of these individuals along with the infinity sign to represent the broad spectrum.
People can participate on this day by wearing blue clothes or ribbons. You can also post educational content on social media with #AutismAcceptance. It is also helpful to educate yourself on this topic by reading books, articles, or watching shows like Atypical, Love on the Spectrum, or The Good Doctor.
Lakeland personally honors students with disabilities by having a group called Unified Club as well as Unified sports. These groups help students feel included in all high school activities.
“The more you know, the more you are informed, the more information you have – the more open and understanding you can be,” Ms. Haftek-Shopshear shared when explaining the importance of Autism Awareness Day.
The theme for World Autism Day this year is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value.” This helps show the worth and value of those who have been diagnosed with autism.
In the end, Autism Awareness Day is more than just one day of recognition- it’s about education and continuing to show your acceptance. By taking your time to understand autism and support those who experience it, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued and respected.
