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April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. This shift in language reflects self-advocacy efforts from Autistic people who ask to be included in conversations about policies that impact them. “Awareness” can stigmatize Autism and paint it as a problem to solve, whereas “acceptance” is the term preferred by Autistic people, as it connotes making space for neurodiversity in all aspects of society. Check out the links below to learn more about recent research and policies that include input from the Autistic community.
Identity-first language is now known to be preferred by many Autistic people (ie saying “Autistic person” rather than “person with Autism”)
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute receives funding to collaborate with Autistic people on evaluating the use of Applied Behavior Analysis
ODP issues Plain Language bulletin to increase accessibility
~Written by: Christine Larsen, MS, LBS, PCHC Behavioral Health Manager
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