Beyond Awareness: A Historical Significance

Beyond Awareness: A Historical Significance

TJ Edmund, April 2025

For decades, April has been recognized as a time dedicated to educating the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, as the autism community and its advocates voiced valid concerns that awareness alone was insufficient, a shift began. Today, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes not only the understanding but also the embracing and empowerment of autistic individuals. This change reflects a broader movement toward inclusivity, self-advocacy, and greater respect for neurodivergence. But how did we get here?

Autism Awareness Month was first established in April 1970 by the Autism Society of America, at a time when knowledge of autism was limited and often misunderstood. The focus was largely on raising awareness of the condition, with messaging that framed autism as a challenge to be solved rather than a diverse way of experiencing the world. Many early campaigns emphasized finding a "cure" or promoting treatments aimed at making autistic individuals conform to neurotypical norms.

In 1988, Ronald Reagan became the first American president to issue an official proclamation declaring April as National Autism Awareness Month. This made significant progress which allowed individuals with autism to be recognized as everyday citizens and capable of leading more productive lives.

While well-intentioned, these narratives often overlooked the voices of autistic people themselves. Many felt that awareness efforts reinforced stigma, portraying autism as something inherently negative rather than a fundamental aspect of identity for millions worldwide.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously voted to declare April 2 as World Autism Day, a time to raise awareness and celebrate the realities of ASD. In 2008, Autism Speaks launched the first Autism Awareness Month. By 2011, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) began referring to April as Autism Acceptance Month championing the idea that autistic people didn’t need to be "fixed"—they needed to be accepted, accommodated, and included in all aspects of society.

"Autistic people didn’t need to be "fixed"—they needed to be accepted, accommodated, and included in all aspects of society."

ASAN urged individuals and organizations to move beyond passive awareness and toward active support. This meant advocating for policies that promote accessibility, workplace inclusion, and educational accommodations. It also meant celebrating autism as a natural variation of human neurology, rather than a disorder that needed to be "overcome."

One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the increased visibility of autistic voices in media, education, and public discourse. Autistic-led initiatives have gained momentum, pushing for changes in how autism is discussed and represented. Books, films, and social media platforms have provided spaces where autistic individuals can share their experiences authentically, challenging outdated stereotypes.

Additionally, legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has played a crucial role in ensuring rights and protections for autistic people. However, advocacy efforts continue, as many still face barriers in employment, healthcare, and everyday accessibility. In 2021, the Autism Society of America swapped “Awareness” for “Acceptance” recommitting itself to better inclusion and increased acceptance of individuals with autism in society.

Autism Acceptance Month is more than just a change in terminology—it’s a recognition that autistic people deserve dignity, respect, and full participation in society. Acceptance means:

Supporting autistic individuals in schools and workplaces with accommodations that help them thrive.
Listening to autistic voices when shaping policies and services that impact their lives.
Challenging harmful misconceptions and embracing autism as part of the natural diversity of human experience.

As we continue to move forward, the message is clear: awareness is only the first step—acceptance is the goal. By fostering environments where autistic individuals are valued and included, we create a world where everyone, regardless of neurology, can reach their fullest potential.

This Autism Acceptance Month, let’s not just acknowledge autism—let’s celebrate and uplift the autistic community in meaningful ways.

Sources & Additional Resources

"Autism Acceptance Month: The History and Impact." Neurology Advisor, 2024.

"Facts About Autism Awareness Month and Why It’s Important." Circle Care Services, n.d.

"5 History Facts About Autism Awareness Month." The Deron School of New Jersey Inc., n.d.

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Super Style, Seven Years Strong

By TJ Edmund • August 5, 2025

Super Style, Seven Years Strong TJ Edmund, August 2025 They said it couldn’t be done — until it was. For seven years, From We Can’t to We Can has fulfilled its promise to provide safe, authentic support for families navigating disability, all inspired by Trinity’s enduring commitment to her best friend, Alexus. Together, we’ve proven that nothing is impossible. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” And this year, we’ve done it again — bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever before. To coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on Saturday, July 26, we proudly celebrated our own milestone—the seventh anniversary of our nonprofit—through our beloved biannual fundraiser, Including You! Runway. Held at Rowan University’s Pfleeger Concert Hall, the event welcomed hundreds of passionate donors, dedicated volunteers, and community members for an unforgettable evening dedicated to improving the lives of families with disabilities across our region. The magic of the evening wasn’t just in the lights, music, or fashion—it was in the stories of the families who took the runway. For many, Including You! represents more than an event; it’s a chance to be seen, celebrated, and appreciated for exactly who they are. “This event is so special to us because it gives Lilla and Elias an opportunity, they wouldn’t typically have to really show the world how amazing they are. It allows them to be seen and appreciated for who they are.” Rebekah D., mother of models Elias and Lilla For parents like Rebekah, the joy was in watching their children’s confidence shine through, before, during, and after the show. Including You! provides families with a space to connect, share their experiences of triumph and hardship, and celebrate the truth that everyone belongs. We are deeply grateful to our Confidence Sponsors — Apollo Preowned Dealership and Colgate-Palmolive — whose generous support made this night possible. To our Spotlight Sponsors — Deptford Signarama, Consalo Family Farms, and Grungo Law — thank you for your commitment to inclusion. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to our amazing community partners: Krise Services, Wawa, Minuteman Press, Stem Savvy, and Rivera Party Décor, and many others who helped elevate the experience from start to finish. A special thank you goes to The Esther & Pedro Rosenblatt Foundation and The Fairy Godmother’s Boutique of Gloucester City for their continued dedication to our mission. As one of our cherished sponsors, The Fairy Godmother’s Boutique of Gloucester City has played an instrumental role in shaping the vision of Including You! Runway. We are especially grateful to owner Michelle Ferry for her unwavering generosity and partnership in helping our models feel confident and runway ready. A heartfelt shout-out as well to the incredible clothing brands who brought adaptive fashion to life on our runway: befree of Massachusetts, Sense-Ational You of New York, Kennedy’s Korner of Texas, Tommy Hilfiger, Cat and Jack, and many others. Their creativity and commitment to inclusive design left a lasting impression on all in attendance. This year’s theme, “Hollywood Superstars,” brought glamour, energy, and red-carpet fun while also serving as a powerful reminder of the need for better representation of disabled voices in mainstream media. Our ever-energetic emcee, Everett Jackson, filled the room with humor, heart, and charm throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed a red-carpet experience with photo opportunities, delicious refreshments, live performances, a live medical equipment donation presentation, gift raffles, and even the debut of a new book—all while supporting our dream of building a permanent space to host seasonal events and safely house equipment from the Resource Recycler year-round. For parents like our board member Paula, the experience was just meaningful being backstage with her son, the other models, and their families as it was on the runway. “Working as the Fundraising Chair for From We Can’t to We Can with the rest of the team to show the importance of inclusion and representation brings so much joy to my heart.’’ Paula F., Board Member and Auggie’s mom Congratulations to this year’s top three fundraisers– Chavoney, Malcolm, and Aria. Your hard work and dedication ensure that we can continue to support incredible families like yours. To everyone who made Including You! Runway a reality: thank you. Here's to seven years of progress — and many more to come.