On April 1, 2025 Colorado Governor, Jared Polis issued an official proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month in Colorado. The proclamation is a powerful step that aims to raise awareness, foster inclusion and celebrate the unique strengths and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Between 30-40% of the families we have assisted at BRRC since 2017 have a child with ASD. Our organization is incredibly passionate about changing the narrative about autism and promoting understanding and inclusivity of youth diagnosed with ASD.

The article below was written by Melissa Berger of Thriving With Autism addressing the importance of changing our language and our thinking about autism.  (Read more about Melissa in the Champion of the Month section.)
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Why is April so important?

April is Autism Acceptance Month, but you might also hear it referred to as Autism Awareness Month. Here’s another example of how words make a difference. The transition from awareness to acceptance represents on of the most significant evolutions in the autism conversation, particularly for families navigating the early years after diagnosis.

Why Awareness Isn’t Enough

For years, autism advocacy focused on awareness – which was important at the time. It helped people recognize signs of autism, understand that it’s a spectrum, and reduce some of the stigma. But awareness often stops at “Autism exists” or “These are the symptoms.” It tends to be about autism from an outsider’s perspective, often framing it as a problem to be solved.
For example:

• Awareness campaigns only rely on statistics (e.g. “1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism”) but don’t explore what that actually means for those individuals.
• Some organizations still use deficit-based language, talking about autism in terms of what’s “wrong” rather than seeing autistic traits as neutral or even positive.

What Acceptance Looks Like

Acceptance means moving beyond just knowing about autism and embracing and celebrating autistic individuals as they are. This means:

• Respecting autistic voices – Involving autistic individuals in discussions about autism, rather than solely professionals or parents.
• Shifting the narrative from “overcoming” autism to supporting autistic individuals in ways that honor their needs and preferences.
• Understanding that being different doesn’t mean being less – acknowledging that communication, sensory experiences, and social interaction may look different but are still valid and should be honored.

For parents, the journey from awareness to acceptance can be profoundly personal. Many initially enter a state of panic, educating themselves on therapies, interventions, and early signs. However, confidence and sense of calm emerge as they transition into acceptance and realizing:

• Their child doesn’t need to be “fixed.”
• There’s no “right” way to communicate, play or experience the world.
• The best thing they can do is create an environment where their child feels safe, supported, valued, and most of all, loved unconditionally.

Promoting Autism Acceptance

• Listen to autistic voices. Read blogs and books, and follow social media accounts run by autistic individuals to learn from their lived experiences.
• Challenge outdated narratives. If you hear someone talking about “curing” autism or used fear-based language, offer an alternative perspective or viewpoint. Sharing your experience is powerful.
• Advocate for inclusion. Acceptance involves creating school environments, workplaces, and communities that actively support autistic people rather than merely accommodating them as an afterthought.
• Model acceptance in everyday life. If a child stirs in public, let them. If they communicate differently, honor it. If they have sensory needs, support them. You never have to apologize to anyone.

The Bottom Line

Awareness is passive. Acceptance is active. It’s about building a world where autistic individuals are valued, respected, and supported – not just acknowledged.

While April is the month we call attention to Autism Acceptance, I hope everyday is about accepting and embracing the gifts the autistic community brings to everyone.

“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of the village.” ~ Coach Elaine Hall

Written by Melissa Berger of Thriving With Autism