From Awareness to Acceptance: The Evolution of Autism Acceptance Month

This month has become a time to celebrate autistic individuals and deepen our understanding and support of autism within our communities. But it took a long time to get where we are today. Here’s a quick overview of how Autism Acceptance Month got its start.

The Early Days (1970s)

Autism awareness efforts began in the 1970s, driven by parents and community advocates aiming to increase understanding of autism’s impact and secure much-needed support and services.

Global Recognition (2007)

In 2007, the United Nations officially declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, highlighting autism as an important global health issue.

Awareness Gains Momentum (2008 onward)

Following the UN’s declaration, April became widely recognized as Autism Awareness Month, significantly increasing public education and awareness of autism spectrum disorder.

A Critical Shift (Mid-2010s)

A powerful movement emerged among autistic self-advocates and allies, shifting the narrative from simple awareness to meaningful acceptance. This change emphasized respecting and valuing autistic individuals, recognizing autism as an inherent part of human diversity.

Today: Autism Acceptance Month

Today, Autism Acceptance Month focuses on inclusion, empowerment, and active support. Organizations like Commonwealth Autism champion acceptance by promoting employment opportunities, independent living, and community inclusion for autistic individuals.

Today, many organizations similar to Commonwealth Autism use April as a time to continue to promote and celebrate autism acceptance, moving beyond awareness to build a truly inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Commonwealth Autism’s Commitment to Acceptance and Inclusion

At Commonwealth Autism, we champion acceptance and inclusivity through various programs:

• Career Readiness and Employment (CR&E): This program equips autistic individuals with the skills needed for meaningful employment. Through personalized career planning, skills training, and job placement assistance, participants gain confidence and independence in the workforce.

   

• Life Skills and Transition: We support autistic adults in developing essential life skills for independent living. By focusing on areas such as personal finance, cooking, and time management, we empower individuals to take ownership of their responsibilities and successfully transition to independent living.

   

• Good Foods Grocery Partnership: In 2023, Commonwealth Autism acquired Good Foods Grocery, a natural whole foods retailer on Huguenot Road in Richmond. This initiative serves as a social enterprise, providing a supportive environment for autistic individuals to gain employment experience and develop essential job skills. 

Shopping at Good Foods Grocery directly supports autistic acceptance, as proceeds contribute to our programs and services, and we employ program participants.

Join Us in Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

We invite you to participate in Autism Acceptance Month by:

• Educating Yourself and Others: Learn about autism and share knowledge to foster understanding and acceptance.

   

• Supporting Inclusive Practices: Advocate for inclusivity in workplaces, schools, and communities to ensure autistic individuals have equal opportunities.

Engaging with Our Programs: Explore our offerings and consider how you can contribute, whether through volunteering, donating, or become a Richmond-area company that employs autistic graduates of programs like CR&E.

The Chef’s Cook-off Challenge is an annual event that helps to raise awareness, acceptance, and support for autistic individuals and their families through an intense and exciting RVA Cooking Championship.

This evening of incredible flavors, friendly competition, and community spirit has become a must for anyone that loves to support the RVA nonprofit community.

What does the event support? 

The event supports Commonwealth Autism’s ongoing activity providing resources for Virginia’s autistic community. This includes the Career Readiness and Employment program, a unique offering that addresses the unemployment and underemployment of autistic adults in the Richmond area through four weeks of customized work readiness classroom instruction, a minimum of 96 hours of paid work experience, and imbedded job coach support for up to one year. 

Commercial and Commissary Kitchen 

The new Townebank Community Kitchen at the All Abilities Innovation and Inclusion Center will serve as a community space, educational venue, and resource for local chefs, cooks, and entrepreneurs.