Here Are Practical Ways To Raise Awareness For Autism
3. Get To Know People On The Spectrum
It’s really hard to spread autism awareness from the sidelines. You can share great posts from others on social media, or make a monetary donation to a non-profit, but the best way to get involved is to spend time with people on the spectrum. First and foremost, you’ll be meeting amazing people and making great friends. Next, you’ll learn more about ASD and the wide range of issues that come with the spectrum disorder and ways you can help specifically in your area or your group. And you’ll be able to pass that information on to others.
Remember, the awareness that’s needed most right now is not that autism exists. We need awareness of what it is and how it affects different people in different ways. You can help by getting involved with an organization or school program and work with children on the spectrum. You can meet people your own age who are living with autism and make a new friend. The point is, the best way to learn about autism is from people with autism. That knowledge and acceptance will keep spreading!
2. Talk To Your Friends And Neighbors
Social media shouldn’t be the only place you talk about autism. There are a lot of different ways to spread awareness, and those depend a lot on your situation. Parents who have a child on the spectrum can talk to their family, friends, and neighbors about ASD to help them become more aware of the disorder. Getting your friends, neighbors and local first responders to know your child with ASD can literally be a life saver in some situations (like wandering) and will help dispel stigmas and stereotypes in other cases (such as a meltdown at the grocery store).
If you are a parent with neurotypical children, you can talk to them about autism so that they know what it is and will be accepting when they come across it in school and life. Instead of trying to get rid of autism myths later in life, our kids can be raised completely without them when they understand about ASD.
Individuals on the spectrum are doing an amazing job of getting their voices heard using platforms like social media and YouTube or just in their own circle of family and friends. You can do the same by talking about autism with the people around you and spread awareness that way.
1. Sign A Petition
Another great way to have your voice heard is by joining others in signing a petition. That makes a lot of people’s voices come together and be heard by just the right people. There are a lot of great causes out there that just need a little bit of a push to get the job done right, and putting your name on a petition is an easy and excellent way of staying involved and spreading awareness.
Despite the numerous awareness programs in government, our schools, healthcare, and even private businesses, there are sadly a lot of changes that still need to happen to create a society of complete awareness and acceptance. Let the people in charge of those organizations know that ASD needs matter and changes need to take place now. No student should have their education suffer because they are on the spectrum, no individual should stigmatized in public or the workplace because of their ASD, and no one of any age or condition should be without proper healthcare and assistance.
Follow this link to find a list of petitions you can sign right now to help spread autism awareness and help those on the spectrum today!
