April is for Autism!

By: Kim Hogan, Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator

What is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month?

 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is a significant time of year for all of us at Cornerstone Autism Center. We understand the importance of raising awareness about autism and spreading understanding and acceptance. It’s a time to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with autism bring to our communities and recognize the challenges that those on the spectrum face every day.

What Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month means to the Cornerstone Staff

When April comes around every year, Cornerstone goes all out! At the beginning of the month, we gift our clients a special surprise to kick off the celebrations. Every Friday in April, staff are encouraged to don any Autism Awareness swag they might have. In true Cornerstone fashion, Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month isn’t complete without a spirit week!

 Some of our staff were recently asked to share what Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month means to them and how important it is to support friends, family, and the community during this month.

“Autism Awareness and Acceptance month means learning more from the Autistic community. We should be listening to Autistic voices and learn how to be more accepting and accommodating. To me, Autism Awareness and Acceptance month is about being a better advocate to those who can’t advocate for themselves.”

– Aaron Hosea, BCBA

“Autism awareness, to me, means we should be spreading knowledge on those who live with Autism. Raising autism awareness provides an opportunity to view the world from a different perspective and notice the daily challenges one with Autism may go through. By spreading awareness, more individuals can connect with the autism community and perhaps make a difference in the lives of those individuals. Knowing more about Autism can also reduce certain stigmas held by those who do not fully understand ASD.”

– Brady Powers, Center Manager 

How to Show Support

There are so many ways we can show support and bring awareness about autism, not just in April but all year long! We encourage everyone to take a little time and learn about the signs and symptoms of autism, how it can be diagnosed, and what treatments are available. When we understand and open up discussions with friends and family, we might be surprised to discover that autism might touch more people’s lives than we realize. According to the CDC, “About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)….” That number has continued to drop for many years and shows just how common autism is in our world. 

By far, one of the best ways to show support during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is merely by reaching out to anyone we know who is affected by autism. Whether it is someone with ASD or a parent or caregiver who just found out their child was diagnosed with autism. Now more than ever, we all could use a little support and encouragement from friends and family. So, let’s take a few minutes out of our day and reach out with a friendly smile and an encouraging word. 

Happy Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!

Last updated by khogan at April 5, 2023.