Celebrating Autism Awareness and Belonging

Autism Awareness Month has been celebrated in April since the 1970s and continues to be recognized by national and global groups that strive to increase understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These groups have worked hard to advance changes in how the world understands and addresses the conditions. While their efforts have significantly benefited the autism community, and perceptions of ASD have come a long way in the last 50 years, there is still so much more to be mindful of moving forward.  

Autism awareness is becoming more important than ever as we gain increasing knowledge of the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network recently announced that in 2020, the prevalence of ASD increased to 1 in 36 among children aged 8 years old. As we consider the significance of this uptick in diagnoses, it's useful to remember how we can use what we've learned to promote a better sense of belonging in the wider community for neurodiverse individuals. 

Early detection of ASD still remains vital as it allows diagnosticians to fully determine potential cognitive delays and creates access to treatment that can build learning environments to best support the individual needs of the autistic person. Evidence-based therapies and learning accommodations in early education can greatly benefit the development of a young neurodivergent mind. On the other hand, undetected autism can lead to various mental health challenges in both children and adults, which only further reinforces the importance of accurately identifying ASD. 

It is natural for our human brains to have cognitive variations in how we think and experience the world. Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome (TS), and other related conditions are all examples of neurodivergent brain functioning. Embracing these differences will greatly benefit neurodivergent individuals and our social organizations on a larger scale.

For example, many workplaces are beginning to hire more neurodivergent employees with unique and highly sought-after skill sets. This helps companies to increase innovation, among many other benefits. Harvard Business Review highlights opportunities for employers to lean into the specific talents and abilities of neurodiverse employees to effectively solve novel issues and create new products. To achieve this, employers must build systems of awareness, education, and resources to protect and fully appreciate diverse brain-based thinking.  

Appreciating the diversity that surrounds us in the workplace and in the wider world creates a culture of inclusion and mutual respect. I suggest we, as employers, reflect on our preferences, differences, and strengths. 

• How does our environment help us show up authentically?

• How do we make space for others to do the same?

• How does this practice of making space increase the sense of belonging?

Moving the conversation from awareness to belonging will allow us to break stigmas and cultural majorities that inadvertently harm the unique expressions of individual minds. By taking time to become aware of the lived experiences of autistic individuals and then moving towards acceptance and inclusion of those experiences, we can foster a deeper sense of belonging for everyone. Communities that recognize how neuro-differences are an asset to society can only benefit from such a healthy diversity of neurocognition and will flourish even more because of it.