The unknown can be an intimidating thing for many people, whether you are dealing with a new medical diagnosis, starting a new job, or facing a move across the country. The word autism brings many assumptions and generalizations, and but for some, it means an unknown experience of social interaction, behavior modification, or instructional methods. During Autism Acceptance Month, educating yourself and others about the autistic community is the best way to address the unknowns and alleviate fears, anxieties, or potential conflicts.

Change the Language

People tend to identify themselves by defining characteristics, such as their ethnic background, residence, or educational level. For instance, you commonly hear people say “I’m Californian” or “I’m a doctor.” Most people don’t claim their identity based on the effect it has on their individuality or being. However, this is not the case when dealing with autistic people. Rather than identifying them as people with autism, you can change the narrative by changing your tone to identifying the individual as a part of a greater community.

Alluding to someone as having autism gives the perception that the individual is somehow flawed. Changing the language and identifying to saying a person is autistic redefines the differences to simply being differences rather than flaws. Using identity-first language is one step to promoting a more positive view of autism.

Change the Symbol

The puzzle piece has been representing the autistic community for years, but the original selection of the icon was representative of the sadness and mystery that surrounded the diagnosis. It left people thinking there was something missing, like a curative puzzle piece, so to speak. If the language is changing to view autism as different processing abilities for normal people, then trying to find a cure through the representative icon is demeaning. Instead, the rainbow infinity symbol better depicts the neurodiversity that represents the vast areas of the spectrum. The puzzle piece isn’t wrong, but it isn’t fully accepted by all members of the autistic community.

Change the Rigidity of Therapy

There are many ways to help autistic individuals find a comfortable place in society, as some individuals struggle socially or academically. Different forms of therapy abound, but some schools of thought believe it is important to try and change the behaviors of an individual to appear less autistic rather than provide a safe and healthy way to interact with the world. Autism acceptance is about listening to the voices of autistic people and finding out firsthand what it takes to show they are valued members of the community. This means allowing them to be themselves, whatever their behaviors, communication comforts, or interpersonal skills may be.

During Autism Acceptance Month, take a moment to evaluate the misconception, fears or unknowns that may exist concerning the autistic community. When everyone partners together toward change, all people can enjoy one another without fear of exclusion or misunderstanding.

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