Autism Awareness Month takes place every April, and a lot of people like to get involved. It’s no surprise so many want to see Autism take a more central stage position in the social conversation. 1 in every 59 children in America is born with Autism, meaning that a lot of people are or know someone who is affected by Autism. It is not a disease that has been long supported. Like other developmental difficulties, Autism has long been seen as something that makes a childless or different. That concept could not be further from the truth, and many have worked to make sure that awareness is brought to the condition. If getting involved in Autism Awareness Month tops the list of things to accomplish in April, here are some excellent opportunities to help build attention locally and nationally.
Popular Forms of Autism Awareness Participation
There are a lot of ways to participate in Autism Awareness Month, all varying in effort and time spent to be a part of the cause.
Put the Puzzle Piece on Everything
The longtime logo for Autism Awareness is the puzzle piece. Simply placing it on popular and well-seen objects and social spaces can be very helpful in reminding people about Autism and its impact. For a long time, car bumper stickers and t-shirts were the most comfortable, most popular way to share awareness. Now, Facebook profile picture banners and cell phone cases are growing in popularity. Social media especially is a crucial space to spread Autism awareness because so many people utilize it as a tool for communication and information.
Join a Local Organization
Local Autism organizations are all over communities across the country. Volunteering time to a committee or event can make a big difference, especially given the budget of these organizations. Because so much of the organization’s money goes to the cause itself, staff numbers are usually kept relatively low. Volunteers are the life force of organizations like Autism Matters and others with local groups across the United States.
Keep the Conversation Going
Talking in person with others about Autism is essential, but the hashtag #StandUpForAutism is another excellent way to keep the conversation going online. Many use social media for more interaction than face to face socializing, so it is essential to spread the word as much as possible on Twitter and other digital spaces. Doing so grows awareness and helps Autism awareness to continue to become a necessary part of a popular conversation on health and wellness.