What Autism Acceptance Can Look Like

Each year, during autism acceptance month, many individuals and organizations engage in activities featuring autism. In the last few years, we have come a long way as a society in trying to understand neurodivergent people. As an autistic person myself, I approve.

Yet, once April ends, autistic people and their families continue to face real barriers to well-being. Many of these are ones that we as a society are capable of chipping away at. Here are five suggestions on how you can help.

1. Hire an Autistic Person

If you are in a position to hire people, I am not saying you ought to go out and hire someone just because they are autistic. That would be illegal (and insulting). However, many well-qualified autistic candidates are overlooked in the hiring process due to unusual interviewing styles, a different relationship to social norms, and, sometimes, blatant discrimination. One study of mock interviews, where participants were either shown a video interview or given a transcript of the interview, found that participants hired more neurotypical individuals in the video condition. This bias occurred even when the transcripts led to more hires of autistic candidates, likely because of mannerisms (Whelpley and May 2023). Autistic adults have some of the highest unemployment rates of any disability group, despite the many strengths they bring to the workplace. If you have hiring powers, perhaps take time to reflect on your bias and consider strategies for identifying high-quality candidates in an atmosphere that is friendly to all. For example, you might request a work sample to place candidates on a level playing field. Workplaces that embrace neurodiversity have been shown to produce a host of benefits, from increased productivity to heightened morale (Thompson, 2023).

2. Invite All the Kids in Your Child's Class to the Birthday Party

Second grade was my most memorable Halloween ever. A girl in my class had a party, and I got to go. Her parents invited the whole class. I wore my costume, rode in the wagon behind her dad's tractor, grabbed something from a paper bag that felt like an eyeball, and made a friend.

Watching your classmates receive colorful birthday invitations while you are consistently left out hurts. Unfortunately, this is the heartbreaking reality for many autistic youth (and their parents). Autistic children often struggle with making friends and are more likely than their neurotypical peers to experience bullying in school (Rowley and colleagues, 2012). I recognize that not everyone has the means or comfort to invite every child in the class to their child's birthday. But if you can, it can mean a lot to some.

3. Stop Telling People They Don't Have Autism

When someone discloses something as personal as autism, it is a gift. That person is risking the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding ignorance of autism, usually with hopes of making a connection. That courage is often met with words like: "Everyone's a little autistic." "You don't look autistic." "Everyone's autistic now." This stings. For many, the discovery process leading up to an autism diagnosis has been dotted with difficulties in building connections with others and navigating a world not set up for your brain. Be thankful that your friend is comfortable sharing with you. Lean in to better understand what led them to tell you, and you can show up for them.

4. Be Sensory Aware

Bright fluorescent lights, waiting room music, and someone standing close to you with a cold instrument against your ear are common aspects of a doctor's visit. Yet, because autism hampers our ability to filter out sensory information, for many autistic people, routine sensory environments like this and others can be overwhelming. If you are managing a public space or inviting people to your home, keep a pulse on the ambiance. Ask if the TV volume is too loud. If the bright overhead lights are not necessary, perhaps leave them off. Small steps like this can make a space more open for everyone.

5. Listen to Autistic Voices (And Their Loved Ones)

The people who understand autism best are those who are directly affected. Several excellent memoirs by autistic adults and their loved ones exist. Reading these and talking with people affected by autism are some of the best ways to learn about it and how we can create a world that is inclusive to everyone.

6. Include People Who Are Different

One component of autism that is not talked about nearly enough is loneliness. You might not always know if someone is autistic. Still, if you see someone being left out, especially someone who seems a bit different or socially awkward, consider inviting them in. They may appreciate it (and you might too). Kindness and inclusion are excellent ways to celebrate acceptance.