April is Autism Awareness Month, a month that focuses on information, resources, advocacy, and inclusion. Providing research-backed information is as important as ever before, but many organizations are shifting toward calling April to be Autism Acceptance Month. The goals remain the same, but this twists the narrative in a subtle way to focus on the core of what really matters when it comes to acceptance – inclusion and community. It’s not enough to just share facts and repeat talking points – it’s time as a society to take it a step further to not just understand neurodiversity, but integrate it into our communities in an action-based way. While awareness matters, understanding what autism is doesn’t change the experience for those who are living with it. It’s when we look past the data and into the person to find our common ground, realizing that there’s a place at the table for all of us, that positive change can begin.

People with autism experience the world differently – not good, not bad, just different. This becomes difficult in a society that is built around rigid expectations. This can lead to judgment, bullying, and impatience. When people start to understand and accept autism, though, that can shift things into a more comfortable space that allows people to be themselves. What might this look like? Some examples include:

Expectation: You assume someone that avoids eye contact is disrespectful, dishonest, or inattentive.
Acceptance: You understand that eye contact feels uncomfortable for some people, so you carry on the conversation without putting meaning to it.

Expectation: A classroom is for learning, and students should sit still, look forward, stay quiet, and focus.
Acceptance: You understand that some students learn better with movement or use stimming as a way to regulate or focus. You create a classroom with different seating accommodations and allow fidget toys and movement breaks.

Expectation: You love giving your grandchildren giant bear hugs, and squeeze them tight as soon as you see them even if they act like they’d rather not.
Acceptance: You understand that not everybody is comfortable with physical contact, so you ask before giving a hug. If they decline, you just smile and say “that’s okay!”

These scenarios may seem simple, but to someone navigating life in a way many don’t fully understand, they can make a huge difference. Communities are starting to realize the importance of acceptance, and building in ways to be more inclusive. In Colorado, several local businesses are already making this a priority:

Jack’s Bar and Grill and Steamer’s Coffee House / Arvada, Colorado
Focuses on providing employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities, teaching culinary skills while promoting creativity and community.

DIRT (Divergent Inclusive Representation Transforms)
Beginning as a mobile coffee truck, DIRT has expanded to multiple sites across the Denver Metro area. They focus on programming to train, employ, and empower neurodivergent individuals with a goal of reducing the unemployment rate in the neurodivergent community.

Garden Inc.
Provides comprehensive programs for children, teens, and adults within the community – those with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual & developmental disabilities, as well as their neurotypical peers and families. They also offer training to other organizations or professionals who want to prioritize inclusivity.

The Lantern
They go beyond simply welcoming guests—they create opportunities. Through an innovative partnership with the University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program and the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, their Columbia, SC hotel proudly employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as integral members of their team.

These are just a few examples of many, as acceptance and the push toward inclusivity gains momentum. When people take the time to understand each other, wonderful things can happen.

Parents and caregivers of children with autism often feel a tremendous amount of stress and isolation. They are often learning as they go through trial and error as they figure things out step-by-step with and for their child. They are managing symptoms, being an advocate, juggling appointments, finding resources – all on top of any other daily responsibilities they may have with work and family. They may feel guilt for situations out of their control, or shame for feeling stressed. Burn out is a real and common experience for parents and caregivers, but there are ways to help.

Be A Good Listener

Sometimes having a judgment-free space to vent is all someone needs. Be an active listener, show empathy, and offer more when needed.

Encourage Self-Care

Parents of children with autism often feel like they don’t have time to prioritize self-care. In reality, taking care of themselves is vital to them being a good caregiver. Encourage self-care through reminders, or even join them for relaxing activities such as yoga or walking.

Offer Your Help

Offer your help when and where you can. This may be stopping by dinner on a busy night, helping with dishes, or offering to spend some time with their child so they can get some quiet time to themselves.

Be Understanding

Autism can feel difficult and unpredictable. Some may not be able to communicate or show up as frequently as they’d like. Be understanding and patient with them. Let them know you’re there – even if you don’t expect a response back right away.

Celebrate With Them

As a parent, it feels amazing when someone really sees and celebrates your child. Navigating autism often includes milestones, small and large. Celebrate those victories right alongside them.

Become An Advocate

Use your own voice to educate, advocate, and encourage community support. Get involved in local organizations or events through volunteer work or event participation. This is not only showing support for someone you care about, but helping spread awareness beyond your personal network.

Parents and caregivers want the best for their children, often putting themselves on the back burner. Sometimes, they just need a helping hand to make sure they don’t get too burned out through the process.

Peak Psychological Services understands the intricacies of autism, and can offer compassionate support and therapy where and when it’s needed. We have an experienced team that understands that each person is an individual, and therefore has their own unique set of needs. Using evidence-backed methods, we can help individuals with autism and their families grow together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A form of talk therapy that helps manage emotions, anxiety, and depression. With autism, this can help ease social anxiety, challenge negative thoughts, and learn healthy ways to cope.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A modified form of CBT that helps emotional regulation, creates healthier coping skills, and improves relationships.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on learning acceptance of circumstances as a way to cope with negative thoughts. The goal is to increase psychological flexibility that allows engagement in healthy activities to make life more meaningful.

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT): A safe, supportive space for families to work through living with autism through improved communication, strengthened connections, and healthy interaction.

Treatment is determined based on specific goals, challenges, and strengths of each individual. Instead of cookie-cutter therapy, we create a personalized path with the intention of finding what works for every person. With the right support, life can feel calmer and more peaceful. If you’d like to learn more about how Peak can play a part in reaching a place of balance and joy, contact us to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. We’re ready when you are.