Autism Awareness Month....my thoughts

So, April is often called Autism Awareness Month.

But if I’m honest, awareness has not really been the issue for a long time.

People are aware of autism.

They’ve heard the word.

They might even think they understand it.

But many autistic people are still:

• Misunderstood

• Overlooked

• Expected to fit into a world that doesn’t fit them

For me, autism isn’t something that exists for one month.

It’s every day.

In how I experience the world.

In how I understand others.

In the work I do.

And I know I’m not alone in that.

Awareness can sometimes stay at a surface level.

What’s really needed is acceptance.

Acceptance looks like:

• Listening to autistic voices

• Adapting support so it actually works

• Making space for difference and not trying to “correct” it

Because not all autistic people are seen.

So this month, instead of just awareness,

I’ll be focusing on understanding, inclusion, and acceptance.

Because that’s where real change happens.

#autisticmentalhealth #autismcounselling