How You Can Promote AutismAwareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

Autism awareness monthIn April 1970, the Autism Society celebrated the rst Autism AwarenessMonth. During this month, the American public is encouraged to furthereducate themselves on autism, how to recognize the early warning signs,and support research e orts. Events are held nationwide and range fromcelebrations of the diversity of people with autism to public educationseminars.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

In addition, many landmarks around the world are illuminated in blue onApril 2, World Autism Awareness Day. While there are con icting points ofview on whether Autism Awareness Month should celebrate those withautism or serve as a time for recognizing what some call a global crisis,there is a consensus that the autistic community is best served by thismonth being a time for education, acceptance, and further research intothe causes of and best therapies for individuals with an autism spectrumdisorder (ASD).

The Autism RibbonPerhaps the most common symbol of the month is the puzzle piece ribbonoften displaced as a pin, bumper sticker, or on T-shirts. The ribbon wasdeveloped in 1999 by the Autism Society and is now the universal symbolfor autism awareness. According to the Autism Society,

“The puzzle pattern re ects the complexity of the autism spectrum. Thedi erent colors and shapes represent the diversity of the people andfamilies living with the condition. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope— hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through earlyintervention and access to appropriate services/supports, people withautism will lead full lives able to interact with the world on the own terms.”

People often display the ribbon in hopes of sparking conversation abouthow autism a ects them or a loved one. Many people are happy to answerquestions about autism and help people gain a better understanding ofwhat it is like to live with ASD.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

Autism awareness merchandiseThroughout the year, we buy gifts for family and friends: birthdays,anniversaries, graduations, and more. Why not use this opportunity topurchase gifts that will spark discussion while supporting autismawareness? The autism ribbon or puzzle piece can be found on a variety ofproducts ranging from wearables like jewelry or T-shirts to bumperstickers and gifts. Amazon carries a wide variety of autism awarenessproducts and allows shoppers to select their favorite autism awarenessnon-for-pro t to receive donations as you shop through AmazonSmile allyear round.

Autism awareness jewelryThis autism ribbon necklace and earring set by Pammy J. Silvertoneautism ribbon necklace and earring set by Pammy J. Silvertoneis perfect for spreading awareness year round. The pendants feature thebrightly colored autism awareness ribbon and can be worn as a set orseparately. The items come in a gift box and are a perfect gift for someoneaffected by autism.

This autism awareness pinautism awareness pin features the multicolored puzzle pieces aswell as the text “Autism.” Its small 1” size is perfect for a lapel, cap, orlanyard. It is available as a single item or for bulk orders to give out topeople in your life who are just as excited as you to spread autismawareness.

Anyone a ected by autism knows the importance of recognizing someoneon the spectrum is di erent not less. This sleek autism awarenessautism awarenessbraceletbracelet is fashionable and a daily reminder of just that. It features thetext “di erent not less” and a small puzzle piece charm. The bracelet isadjustable, comes in silver, and is nickel free.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

These autism awareness hair tiesautism awareness hair ties are not only functional but alsoexcellent for those who nd traditional elastics uncomfortable. They areno-tug and “ouchless” and will not crease the hair. Each pack comes withthree puzzle piece elastics, a light blue, a dark blue, and a red.

Silicone wristbands have been a popular option for creating awareness formany causes since the early 2000s. These bright blue bandsbright blue bands featurepuzzle pieces and read “autism awareness.” They are available in bulk tohand out at events this April or to your child’s classmates.

Autism awareness T-shirts“Why t in when you were born to stand out?” Dr. Seuss meets autismawareness with this T-shirtT-shirt featuring Cat in the Hat and the blue autismpuzzle piece. It comes in multiple colors and in men’s, women’s, and youthsizes. It is 100% cotton and machine washable.

This unisex long-sleeved teeunisex long-sleeved tee featuring an owl with the autism puzzlepieces read “Give a Hoot! Autism Awareness.” The whimsical design andbright colors send the T-shirt’s message loud and clear. It is 100% cotton,comes in four colors, and is machine washable.

The o cial shirt for Autism Awareness Month 2018o cial shirt for Autism Awareness Month 2018 is here! This year’slong sleeved design reads “Light it up blue Autism Awareness Accept,Understand, Love.” The shirt is unisex, comes in four colors, and is 100%cotton and machine washable. It is the perfect shirt to wear for any autismawareness event you may be attending in April.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

This simple vintage tee simple vintage tee features four puzzle pieces in red, yellow, lightblue, and dark blue. It is an understated way to show your support forautism awareness, but those who are familiar with the puzzle pieces willsurely know what your shirt represents. The shirts come in ve colors, isavailable in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes. It is 100% cotton andmachine washable.

Even the littlest member of your family can help promote autismawareness this April. These sweet onesiesonesies featuring the autism ribbon andthe text “Autism Awareness” come in four colors and sizes 0-3 months to18-24 months. They are 100% cotton jersey and machine washable.

Autism awareness giftsFamilies a ected by autism know that the right teacher can make a worldof di erence in a child’s life. This stylish handmade necklacestylish handmade necklace is theperfect gift for a teacher who has impacted your family’s life. The pendantis copper and stainless steel and will not tarnish. The necklace ships in agift box.

This badge holderbadge holder is an excellent gift for a professional seeking to spreadautism awareness at work. The badge features an eye-catching design andtext that reads “I love someone with autism.” The cord is 24” long andcustomers can choose their preferred clip style.

T h i s fragrance di userfragrance di user allows you to bring the calming e ects ofaromatherapy to your car. The di user features a blue puzzle piece that

lters essential oils on the go. It clips onto your car’s air vent and requiresno batteries or power.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

Many children with ASD work with a team of specialists who help themand their families live their lives to the fullest. These doctors andprofessionals deserve to be recognized during Autism Awareness Month.This print reads “Thank you for being one of the pieces in my awesomechild’s life.” It is available framed or unframed.

This “Mama Bear” mug“Mama Bear” mug featuring a bear lled in with puzzle pieces is theperfect gift for the ercely loving mama in your family. The trendy mug isdishwasher and microwave safe and is made in the USA.

How to raise awareness in your communityRaising awareness for autism can be a daunting task. Many people don’tknow where to begin or the most e ective ways to make their messageheard. Often times, intimate settings and meaningful conversations are theway to go. Other times, taking part in an event to raise money for researchor contacting your national and local representatives can be effective.

Having a conversation about autism awarenessHaving a conversation about autism and how it a ects you or your familycan be an intimidating task. This conversation may come up as a responseto a negative interaction or a misunderstanding surrounding ASD, but thatdoesn’t always have to be the case. You may choose to invite a small groupof people to your home to host an informal Q&A about autism. This can bean excellent opportunity for people to ask questions they may not havebeen previously comfortable asking. It can also be a time for you to explainperson rst language and the many ways to be inclusive of someone withASD.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

Join a community eventMany not-for-pro ts will be hosting events for Autism Awareness Monthsuch as walks, sensory friendly lms, donation drives, or seminars held atuniversities. Not only can these events provide a sense of community, theycan bring awareness to resources available locally. Becoming involved canbe as easy as showing up the day of, but some families choose to helporganize the events, volunteer as guest speakers, man booths, or donatesupplies. Before you chose to donate, be sure the not-for-pro t aligns withyour goals for autism awareness and is scally transparent. CharityNavigator is an excellent resource for scoping out the not-for-pro ts mostworthy of your support.

Contacting your representativesYour local and national representatives are elected to make sure your voiceis heard. Calling, emailing, or taking a meeting with your representative canbe a highly e ective way of ensuring they know autism awareness matters.It can be nerve-wracking to speak to an elected o cial. To make sure youmake the most of your conversation, have a plan. Be clear on what youwant from your representative. Do you want them to support a potentiallaw being discussed? Do you want them to write or sponsor a bill? Do youwant them to become more informed about autism? If possible, includeyour child in the conversation.

Your voice mattersNo matter how you support autism awareness this April, your voice isimportant. Whether you choose to sport autism awareness merchandiseor take a meeting with your representative, this month is the time to rallytogether to bring awareness to autism.

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April

How You Can Promote Autism AwarenessThis April

Katherine G. HobbsKatherine G. Hobbs is a freelance journalist and university studentstudying English, with an emphasis on journalism, and psychology. She isinterested in the impact of having a special needs child on the familydynamic. Katherine is dedicated to bringing awareness of resources tofamilies and providing help to those who love their autistic children. Youcan find her online at katherineghobbs.com

How You Can Promote Autism Awareness This April