April is National Autism Awareness Month, and students are spreading awareness and showing their support. National Autism Awareness Month was established by the Autism Society in the United States in the 1970s.
Since then, the month of April has been used to inform and educate the public about the issues that those with autism, and their families, face. The month is celebrated in many ways across the nation by all kinds of organizations and people. Aside from presidential/congressional declarations and the events hosted by partners of the Autism Society, smaller organizations are able to have their own events and activities like information sessions and online events. However, students do not have to participate in these larger events to show their support and awareness. They are able to place the National Autism Awareness Month logo badge on their blogs, Facebook profiles and Twitter pages.
This badge is a square that states, “Celebrate! April is National Autism Awareness Month/ A Better World for Autism/ Autism Society” and has an image of the puzzle piece ribbon. The puzzle piece ribbon has become an icon for autism awareness. As autism now affects one in every 68 children in America, awareness and support is growing as well. The ribbon has taken the form of a pin, a magnet and the badge. The many different colored puzzle pieces on the ribbon represent the various types and degrees of autism.
The bright colors of the puzzle pieces symbolize the hope for increased awareness, which leads to early intervention, granting those with autism the possibility of leading fuller, less complicated lives. Another simple way that students can participate in National Autism Awareness Month is by wearing the puzzle piece ribbons and bows on their backpacks, purses or in their hair.
This can be taken a step further by posting photos to Instagram to share with followers and the general public by using the hashtag.
