Join Us in Raising Awareness This World Autism Awareness Month
Updated on September 14, 2020
A post by AngelSense, a GPS & voice monitoring solution designed for children with special needs.
Learn more about how AngelSense’s GPS tracking device for children can help improve your child’s safety and well-being.
With World Autism Awareness Month being commemorated in April, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we can do to raise awareness. After all, autism touches all our lives in some way. With some estimates suggesting that as many as 1 in 68 children in the U.S. have some sort of autism spectrum disorder, we can no longer afford to ignore this condition. This World Autism Awareness Month, why not join us in showing support for autism. Even the simplest act can help make tomorrow a brighter day for people with autism.
We’ve put together some simple ideas for things you can do during World Autism Awareness Month to show your support. Most of these ideas take only a few minutes of your time and won’t cost you a dime.
1. Share something
Social media is a powerful medium and can be very effective for raising awareness. You can post something simple like: I love someone with autism. Alternatively, you might want to post something about someone with autism, and how they’re able to overcome the difficulties of their condition.
Where can I find something to share:
If you don’t have a story to share, you can show your support by sharing a fact about autism on Facebook and Twitter. Many autism organizations will have interesting facts and images on their Facebook pages this month, so be sure to take a look.
2. Offer to help
Juggling household chores and raising a child with autism can be overwhelming. Why not offer to help out for the day? Even something simple like washing dishes or making a meal for the family will be hugely appreciated.
Where can I find a family to help:
There are many organizations that help families with autism. You could contact one of them and offer to volunteer your time. You can find volunteering opportunities by contacting Autism Speaks and Network for Good.
3. Join an awareness walk
Taking part in an autism awareness walk is a great way to raise awareness and show your support. By walking for autism, you not only strengthening the voice of the autism community, but you give families who have children with autism hope. There are many autism awareness walks scheduled to take place throughout April, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one in your area.
Where can I find an awareness walk to take part in:
Autism Speaks is hosting an Autism Awareness Night walk on Saturday April 9. This is an opportunity to join thousands of autism advocates who are trying to make the future better for people with autism. The Autism Project is also hosting the Imagine Walk and Family Fun Day to raise awareness for autism on Saturday April 24. This event has something for the entire family including teens and young children with autism.
4. Get dressed up
A simple way to show your support is by wearing the autism awareness puzzle ribbon. This is the most commonly recognized symbol of the autism community. There are many ways you can display the ribbon, so be sure to get creative. You can pin it to your shirt, put a sticker on your car, add a ribbon badge to your blog or even change your Facebook profile picture.
Where can I find an autism awareness ribbon:
It’s easy and fun to make your own, especially if you have kids. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids more about autism. You can also order your ribbon online. There are many online stores, like Amazon, which stock autism awareness products including ribbons.
5. Learn about it
The more people know about autism, the easier it will be to confront the many stereotypes and misconceptions about the disorder. And it starts with you! By learning more about the condition, you’ll be in a better position to teach friends, family members and other people who don’t know much about autism.
Where can I find out more about autism:
There are tons of very useful online resources to help you better understand autism. You can start by having a look at National Autism Association. Other helpful resources include Autism Daddy, Friendship Circle, The Mighty and the National Autistic Society.
6. Speak up
Autism is one of the most commonly misunderstood conditions around, and people tend to say hurtful things about people with autism. You can raise awareness by listening for these types of comments, and speaking up when you do hear them. By showing support and encouraging people to challenge their assumptions, you’re helping to change the way people perceive autism.
Where can I hear people talking about autism:
You’ll hear these comments everywhere. You just need to pay attention and listen for them.
How do you plan on showing your support on World Autism Awareness Month? Share your tips and suggestions in the comments below.
AngelSense is committed to creating a safer world for special needs children. Our cutting-edge GPS tracking and monitoring solution was designed to give parents the peace of mind that their children are safe at all times. You deserve peace of mind too. Join AngelSense Today.
