Specially Gifted Foundation is proud to host Ashley Spivey as a blog contributor this month. Ashley has two sons with autism and is the founder of High-Five Society, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and encouraging an inclusive community that celebrates diversity. We hope Ashley’s guide to understanding and supporting autism helps our communities discover ways to encourage acceptance and advocacy.
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals with autism and their families. In this blog post, we’ll explore what autism is, share statistics, discuss how to support those with autism and their families, highlight the importance of advocacy, social groups, and other ways to spread acceptance.
Understanding Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing. It is a spectrum disorder, which means that individuals with autism can have a wide range of abilities and challenges. Some may have difficulty with social interactions and communication, while others may excel in certain areas such as math, music, or art.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. These statistics highlight the prevalence of autism and the need for increased awareness and support.
Support Individuals with Autism and Their Families
→ Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about autism and understand the unique strengths and challenges of individuals on the spectrum.
→ Show Empathy and Understanding: Be patient, compassionate, and accepting of individuals with autism. Offer support and encouragement.
→ Foster Inclusion: Create inclusive environments where individuals with autism feel valued and included. Encourage participation in activities and social events.
→ Advocate for Accessibility: Advocate for accessible services, resources, and accommodations to support individuals with autism in education, employment, healthcare, and community settings.
The Importance of Advocacy
Advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with autism. Advocate for policies and legislation that support autism awareness, research, education, and inclusion. Speak up for the needs of individuals with autism and their families, and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
Social Groups and Support Networks
Social groups and support networks provide valuable opportunities for individuals with autism and their families to connect, share experiences, and build friendships. These groups offer a sense of community, understanding, and acceptance. Consider joining or creating social groups, support groups, or online communities for individuals with autism and their families in your area.
Other Ways to Support and Spread Acceptance:
→ Participate in autism awareness events and activities year-round.
→ Share educational resources, articles, and personal stories about autism on social media.
→ Volunteer or support organizations that provide services and support to individuals with autism and their families.
→ Be an ally and advocate for acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of individuals with autism in all aspects of society.
Understand, Support, and Advoate!
As we observe Autism Awareness Month, let’s commit to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. By educating ourselves, fostering inclusion, advocating for accessibility, and promoting acceptance, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
Together, let’s celebrate the diversity and unique talents of individuals with autism and work towards building a society where everyone is valued and included, regardless of neurodiversity.
Meet the Author, Ashley Spivey
I grew up in Coweta County, Ga and currently resides in Polk County with her husband and two sons. Growing up with a special needs brother and now having two sons with autism has made me want to take action. I have worked in the residential and day program settings with adults with developmental disabilities and have two college degrees that allow me to focus on human services and healthcare administration. I founded High-Five Society last year. We believe that everyone deserves to have their voices heard and an inclusive community. The special needs population has a very special place in my heart and gives my life a purpose.
