This past April was the 51st anniversary of Autism Awareness month. Autism Awareness month is dedicated to spreading awareness about Autism and the people who have it. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that is different for all people who have it and it has a wide spatrom for how it looks for each person. People with ASD might find it hard to communicate or understand how other people are thinking and feeling. This can make it hard for them to make friends and for some to just function normally in society. Almost 1% of the world’s population is on this spectrum in some way and yet there are still a lot of people who know absolutely nothing about it; that is exactly why people celebrate ASD month, to get the word out there. 

People all over the world put out blue lights in their yards and on their porches to show their support. Another way that people show support is by Autism Speaks walks held all over the world. This walk consists of 10,000 steps a day for eight days from March 26 to April 2 leading up to ASD month. 

People with ASD and their family and friends all come out to show their love and to donate to ASD research. This research helps people with ASD all over the world to meet their full potential and to have a long and happy life; a life without discrimination and one where people can understand them and most importantly realize how amazing they can be. In fact there are a lot of very brilliant people with ASD like Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and even Tim Burton. People with ASD are so much more than just their condition.“Typically during Autism Awareness Month, I try to wear blue as much as possible.  I also try to do an Autism project with my class.  This year, we are doing this story The Mighty League, Vol 1, The Terrible Taunting…the story is told by someone who sees his world from a very unique perspective. It promotes SELF-ACCEPTANCE, AWARENESS, and an UNDERSTANDING for others who are different,
said Mrs. Shannon Calloway. 

“It is important for everyone to understand Autism. Rejection from peers can cause negative emotions that are difficult to handle. ASD children may already struggle to communicate, connect, and engage with others. This rejection could discourage them from further developing their communication skills. This is exactly why autism awareness can benefit everyone, not just people with ASD; it creates a more positive, tolerant world,” Mrs. Calloway said.