April 1st marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month! It’s the perfect opportunity to educate, support, and celebrate the unique abilities of our Autism community in Central Maine.
As part of our mission to raise awareness for Autism, diagnosis and early-intervention therapy services, we want to do our part by sharing a few ways you can support Autistic individuals in your community. It’s time to embrace Autism!
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that can affect things like a persons’ ability to communicate, their behavior, and their social interactions. ASD is similar to other conditions, like ADHD or Dyslexia, in that it’s a lifelong condition affecting each individual differently. No two people on the Autism Spectrum are alike and there’s no specific “look” that identifies people on the Spectrum.
Autism is one condition that falls under the larger umbrella of “Neurodivergence” – a fancy term for differences in how an individual’s brain develops and and functions. The category of Neurodivergence also includes conditions like ADHD, IDDs and Sensory Processing Disorders. In fact, it’s common for individuals with Autism to have other types of neurodivergence, like ADHD, in addition to their Autism diagnosis. The ADHD + Autism combination in particular is so common there’s even a term for it: AuDHD.
How Common is Autism?
Research shows that Autism affects around 1-in-36 kids across the U.S. however, some states have a higher prevalence than others. In 2024, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Connecticut had the highest rates of Autism in the U.S. While Louisiana, South and North Carolina had the lowest rates of diagnosed Autism. No matter where you’re located though, rates of Autism have been consistently climbing due, in part, to improved diagnostic resources and increased awareness.
Ways to Show Support During Autism Awareness Month
So, with all that said, what can we do to show our support for Autistic individuals and help celebrate differences? Well, here are a few of our favorite options. This is by no means an all inclusive list so, if you have ideas to add, leave us a comment below!
- Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is the best way to debunk Autism myths. Learning about Autism from credible sources can help you advocate responsibly.
- Participate in Local Events: Whether virtual or in-person, participating in events dedicated to raising awareness for Autism can make a major impact. If you don’t have time to attend, share an event on social media to spread awareness and encourage others to join.
- Support Autism-Friendly Businesses: Many local businesses employ individuals with Autism or cater specifically to the Autistic community. A great example is Messology Maine, a children’s play center located in Bangor that offers sensory friendly activities.
- Advocate for Inclusive Practices: Encourage your community to adopt inclusive practices that accommodate individuals with Autism. This could include anything from developing sensory friendly spaces in the Bangor Mall to creating Autism friendly hours at your local library.
- Listen to Voices within the Autistic Community: Talking to Autistic individuals and understanding their life experiences helps you make more empathetic and inclusive choices. In other words, when you listen, you become a better ally to the Autism community!
- Donate to Non-Profits Supporting Autistic Individuals and Their Families: If you’re interested in making a more tangible impact with monetary support, consider giving to organizations like the Autism Society of Maine or The Autism Community in Action which both support Autistic children and their families.
Conclusion
Autism Awareness Month serves as a call to action for all of us—parents, educators, therapists, and community members—to rally around children with ASD and their families. By educating, advocating, and showing our support through actions big or small, we contribute towards building
a more accepting society where every child can thrive on their own terms.
