April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
April is Autism Awareness Month! The 18th Annual World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was celebrated on April 2, 2025. Autism Awareness Month was first established in 1970, and in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to differences in brain structure and function. This term encompasses the diversity of all human brains and the different ways that individuals may think, learn, interact and process information. There is no one “right” way of thinking, learning and behaving and unique differences should be celebrated and not be viewed as deficits. The umbrella of neurodiversity includes two subgroups:
- Neurotypical: individuals who think, feel, behave and relate within a typical or expected range of function for their age.
- Neurodivergent individuals: who think, feel, behave and relate in a way that is considered outside of the typical range of function for their age.
The Importance of Autism Awareness and Acceptance
While raising awareness about autism is important, acceptance allows for a broader understanding of autism. Autism acceptance is necessary to embrace neurodiversity. Awareness and acceptance can be practiced through educating others and sharing information about autism and neurodiversity, fostering safe and inclusive spaces, encouraging strength-based language and listening to autistic voices and experiences.
Read our blog about creating accepting and inclusive spaces
It is important that we continue to strive to increase awareness and acceptance of people with autism, not just during Autism Awareness Month. Let’s continue to celebrate neurodiversity and everyone’s unique differences!
Autism Awareness Month 2025
This year, with the support of the United Nations, the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) hosted an online event titled “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. ION is a worldwide organization that represents neuro-minorities, works to raise awareness about neurodiversity, supports and publishes neurodiverse research, connects neuro-minority people and networks, collaborates with government, businesses and organizations and celebrates neurodiversity. You can watch the full event here:
(Opening) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Autism Awareness through the SDGs | United Nations
(Part 2) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs | United Nations
What’s happening in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, the 11th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS 04-28-25 Reg & Organizational Display ) will be taking place in person and via livestream from April 28 to April 30th. During this Summit “250 Autistic self-advocates, researchers, politicians, service providers and policymakers from across Canada come together to discuss, debate and develop recommendations for policies and strategies that benefit Autistic people in Canada”.
QuickStart Autism is also hosting an event in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025, on Parliament Hill from 12:00 to 12:45 PM which will include speakers and live performances from young adults and advocates within the autism community.
References:
World Autism Awareness Day – EN | United Nations
11th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit – Autism Alliance of Canada
The Impact of Autism Awareness on Acceptance and Inclusion | Advanced Autism Services
What Does Autism Awareness and Acceptance Look Like in Action? – Neurodivergent Insights
What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding the Power of Cognitive Differences
What is neurodiversity? – Harvard Health
What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Neurodiversity | USAHS