Autism Acceptance Month is a time to celebrate and support people who have autism. There are many misconceptions about autism, and this month seeks to show that having the nervous system disorder is not a bad thing, for a matter of fact.
Some people seen on a daily basis at school, work or even in the everyday world can have some level of autism. There is an entire spectrum of autism, and everybody on the spectrum functions differently from one another.
Some people often think that because a person has autism, they are different and less smart than others. This simply is not true.
“I have autism, and it doesn't make me different than anyone else,” junior Onyx Petty said. “It just makes me be myself”.
Having autism also does not keep a person from doing what they want in their everyday life.
“I am kind and nice,” freshman Julian Pendergrass said. “I listen to my friends to make them happy, and I am a boyfriend.”
Some think that people with autism do not have what they perceive to be a “normal, regular” life, but this could not be further from the truth. They have a normal life at school and work, just like anyone else. They also are very smart. It is just hard for them to focus on one thing sometimes.
While some people feel the judgment from others for having autism, others say they do not feel different from everyone else. Freshman Justin Chenault said the way he is treated at school makes the disability easier.
“Being at school is great,” he said. “Everyone is kind to me, and I don't even notice I have autism.”
While Autism Acceptance Month may not be seen as important to everyone, it is something everyone can learn more about and can help others be aware of.
“It's important because it allows other people to see that autism isn't a bad thing, and it brings light on those who do have it and what joys they bring,” special education teacher Marisa King said.
Many people with autism – and with any disability – want to feel loved, celebrated and acknowledged. Although showing love to those different from oneself should be a year-long activity, the official Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated from April 1 to April 30.