Why Autism Acceptance Month Matters

Every year in April, my feed fills with conversations about Autism Acceptance—and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. Just like we see our feeds light up for Grand Final Weekend or literally two years of the Eras Tour (no shade, I was also there), this is a moment where the neurodivergent community deserves to take up space. Loudly. Proudly. Without apology.

As I scrolled this year, I noticed something else, too: the content isn’t always created with the community in mind. There are real conversations happening, particularly around “awareness” vs “acceptance”, and I want to unpack that with the respect and reflection it deserves.

So, let’s talk about it: Why do we need to move beyond awareness? What does true autism acceptance actually look like? And how can we ensure that this month, and every month, centres the voices that matter most?

'Autism Awareness Month' Got Us Here. Autism Acceptance Month Will Take Us Further.

In conversations with the Autistic community, one thing is clear: while awareness has grown (hello, jigsaw ribbons on everything), meaningful support still lags behind. Awareness is knowing that Autistic people exist. Acceptance is welcoming them and creating a world where they, too, can thrive.

Autism Acceptance Month is a platform, not for performative posts or box-ticking, but for reflection, learning and tangible change. It’s about seeing autism not as something to fear or “fix,” but as a valid and valuable neurotype. Period.

And yet, 2025 research by YouGov shows that 1 in 3 people wouldn’t know what to say if someone told them they’re Autistic. 41% wouldn’t know how to support them.

There was also a 41.8% increase in the number of autistic Australians between 2018 (205,200) and 2022 (290,900), according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. While statistics indicate more males are diagnosed, we now know that biases and outdated frameworks have prevented countless females and AFAB individuals from receiving accurate diagnoses globally.

We’ve got work to do.

Let’s Ditch the Deficit Talk

For too long, autism has been viewed through the lens of a medical model, where differences are framed as deficits, and the goal is often to “normalise” or “cure.”

The neurodiversity perspective flips that. It embraces the idea that every brain processes the world differently. It says that disability often comes not from within the person, but from systems that fail to support them.

To put it simply: Autistic people aren’t broken. They’re not missing pieces. They don’t need to be changed. They need to be included.

Acceptance Means Action

Acceptance means recognising autism as a natural part of human diversity, understanding means learning the ‘why’ behind behaviours (because all behaviour is communication), and true inclusion means creating environments that support, not suppress.

Children thrive when they feel seen, safe and supported, and that includes autistic children. That means rethinking our classrooms, our communities, and even our conversations. Yes, this month should drive for action beyond a beautiful social media tile and well-placed hashtag.

Because being aware that autistic people exist? That’s the baseline. Being an advocate? That’s the goal.

Let’s Talk Language (And Why It Matters)

You might’ve heard terms like “person with autism” vs “autistic person.”The Autistic community largely prefers identity-first language, because autism isn’t something separate from who they are. Saying “Autistic person” is like saying “tall person” or “left-handed person.” It’s part of them. It’s not a cold. You don’t catch it.

Other things to consider:

• Avoid puzzle piece symbols (they imply something’s missing or needs 'putting back together')

• Don’t say “suffers from autism.” Autism isn’t a tragedy

• Do ask people what they prefer. Do listen. Do learn

• Use identity-first language (Autistic person)

• Follow Autistic creators, not just autism organisations

• Share the work of Autistic authors, artists, and advocates

• Shift your mindset from “awareness” to “support and inclusion”

• Talk with Autistic people, not about them

This month, and every month, The Giggle Garden will continue to advocate, share, celebrate, and learn.

Together, we are growing a more inclusive future, and we’re so glad you’re here for it.