Tuesday 2 April 2024 (Autism Awareness Day) marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Week, which runs until 8 April.
Raising awareness of what Autism is and, importantly, what it isn’t is an admirable pursuit in itself. But for the people out there who may have recently received an Autism diagnosis, or who are still grappling with the knowledge that they are indeed Autistic, it’s the concept of Acceptance that will resonate a lot more deeply.
The notion of accepting who we and others are can be challenging at the best of times – even when everything in our lives is running smoothly (sure, like that ever happens!).
But if you’ve lived a lifetime not knowing and then you find out; well, it’s those of us lucky enough to receive true understanding and compassion who fare the best during what can be a life-shattering experience for some.
So, if you know someone who’s Autistic I would implore you to reach out to them, to check in and see how they’re doing – not only today or this week, but for the weeks and months to come.
And if you yourself are Autistic, then, via this website, I’m here for you, and I accept you for who you are.
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Dear Glenn,
I’m not sure if this will reach you as your activity has gone silent for most of this year. But in retrospect, I’ve kept you in memory and wondered how you’ve been doing. If you see one of my last writings on Medium, entitled “A Lifetime in Eight Years,” you’ll see I too am nearing the end of what I’ve called an advocacy. I have found out much of what was needed but there simply are no supports for adults. I fear here, in the US, and potentially worldwide.
Connecting with you, one who is several years older than me, left a humble mark on who I am and what I’ve been through. If you refrain from future writing, I hope that you see this and take comfort in knowing, as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, the very nature of knowing is as you said above.
“… during what can be a life-shattering experience for some.”
Take care. I know its hard. Our voices defy the gatekeeping to tell it like it is.
We speak the truth.
Sincerely,
Jim Irion