From Awareness to Acceptance: Shifting the Autism Conversation
Image: Multi-colored circles are pictured with Scrabble tiles that spell out the word “Autism”.
April is Autism Awareness Month. To bring awareness about Autism and neurodiversity, we are presenting some facts about this often misunderstood condition. We’ll explore what Autism is and is not, look at causes and conditions, and present resources where you can find out more or request services.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development, impacting how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. Because Autism is experienced differently by each individual, from mild expressions to severely affecting individuals’ ability to live independently, it is diagnosed on a spectrum.
Autism is not an illness or disease that can be “cured”; it is a neurotype, meaning it is an expression of the way a person thinks and experiences the world. Autistic people often have repetitive behaviors and interests. These might include routines, intense interests in specific topics, repetitive movements (like hand-flapping), or sensitivity to sensory input like lights, sounds, and textures. Autistic people can also have different ways of communicating. They may not be as participatory in back-and-forth conversations, not as attuned to understanding tone or facial expressions, or not express cues that signal you have their attention. They may respond sporadically or remain quiet longer than expected. This can present a barrier to building relationships with others who have not learned about typical Autistic communication behavior.
New research is helping us understand that these challenges may not be about a lack of ability. Instead, they reflect a difference in communication styles between autistic and non-autistic people. This concept is known as the “Double Empathy Problem,” a term introduced by autistic researcher Dr. Damian Milton. It shows us that communication struggles happen on both sides, not just because autistic people have trouble understanding neurotypical communication, but also because neurotypical people may not understand the ways autistic people express themselves. Studies have shown that autistic people often communicate more effectively with each other than with non-autistic people. This research supports the idea that autism is not a deficit, but a different way of being, and that building mutual understanding, rather than trying to “fix” autistic behavior, can lead to more meaningful connections and inclusion.
However, Autistic individuals often bring unique strengths and perspectives to learning and information processing that differ from or even surpass typical information processing.. Some individuals process information visually, excel in pattern recognition, or have advanced skills in specific areas like music, math, or art. Using brain imaging, researchers have found differences in brain structure and connectivity in autistic individuals, particularly in areas that affect communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. These differences may begin before birth and are part of how the autistic brain naturally develops.
An Autistic man works on a puzzle while sitting with a psychologist.
Because Autism is inherent to people’s personalities, many people prefer to say they are Autistic, as opposed to having Autism. Autism is not separate from who they are, it is a part of their lived experience. People with Autism are often referred to as “Neurodiverse,” while people without Autism are referred to as “Neurotypical.”
The definition of Autism has expanded significantly over the past few decades, particularly with the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in 2013. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM-5 is the main reference guide used by mental health professionals in the United States to diagnose mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. With this edition, diagnoses such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), that had previously been characterized as distinct conditions, were merged under the umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - the medical term used to describe Autism. This is one reason we have seen a rise in Autism diagnoses in recent years - the DSM is recognizing a wider range of behavioral diagnoses as Autism.
Historically, the ratio of Autism in boys versus girls has been 4:1, but scientists are beginning to recognize that the traits of Autism show up differently in girls and boys. On average, girls and women tend to be diagnosed with Autism later in life. It is now believed that some girls are overlooked for an Autism diagnosis in their youth because they are better with basic social skills, such as short conversations or making eye contact. However, more complex social situations, such as making long-term friendships, can still be a struggle for Autistic girls and women.
What Causes Autism?
Currently, we are not 100% certain about the causes of Autism, but research is showing that a combination of genetics and environment is a key factor. Autism does tend to run in families, but there is no one “Autism gene”. Researchers have identified hundreds of genes that could potentially lead to Autism.
Environmental factors, such as advanced parental age, complications during pregnancy or birth, and exposure to certain drugs or pollutants during pregnancy, may contribute to the development of Autism when combined with specific genetic predispositions. On their own, these environmental influences do not cause Autism, but combined with genetic factors, they can increase the likelihood of its development.
Historically speaking, Autism has been viewed through the medical model as something that needed to be cured or fixed, a deficit or disorder. This has led to interventions focused on making autistic people appear “normal” by neurotypical standards, rather than understanding or supporting their unique ways of experiencing the world. For example, some behavioral therapies (like ABA—Applied Behavior Analysis) have been criticized for emphasizing compliance with neurotypical social norms and masking Autistic traits rather than supporting true communication or independence. Many Autistic individuals say that these approaches can be traumatizing, forcing them to hide or suppress their natural behaviors, which is known as "masking". This practice has been linked to secondary mental health issues, including anxiety and burnout.
Even so, many Autistic people can benefit from early intervention skills-building methods to help them gain more independence. However, it is important that this type of support is ethical, person-focused, and doesn’t suppress their Autistic identity. Autism doesn’t need to be fixed—it needs to be understood.
Image: An autistic man looks forward while standing outside. He is wearing a black baseball cap and blue hoodie.
Resources For Autistic People and Their Allies
Whether you are Autistic yourself, a caregiver, educator, or ally, there are many resources available to support understanding, inclusion, and independent living for Autistic people. These tools offer everything from advocacy and community to skill-building and legal support.
Center for People With Disabilities: At CPWD, we are proud to support Autistic individuals through a wide range of programs that promote independence, self-advocacy, and inclusion. As a Center for Independent Living, we work with people of all ages and across all types of disabilities, including Autism.
We offer peer mentoring, independent living skills training, and youth transition programs that help Autistic individuals navigate life on their own terms. Whether someone needs help with employment goals, communication strategies, or simply wants to connect with a supportive community, we are here to help.
We also offer Disability Etiquette Training to schools, businesses, and organizations that want to create more inclusive spaces. These trainings help break down stigma and teach allies how to communicate respectfully and effectively with people who are neurodivergent.
Above all, our goal is to center the voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities, including Autistic people, so they can live the lives they choose, with dignity and self-determination.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Run by and for Autistic people, ASAN focuses on empowering Autistic voices through policy advocacy, community education, and resources grounded in neurodiversity and self-determination. Their website includes toolkits for self-advocacy, healthcare access, and inclusive education.
The Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (AWN): provides information and community support for autistic women, nonbinary people, trans people of all genders, and anyone else whose gender is marginalized. They emphasize intersectionality and are committed to racial and gender justice.
CommunicationFIRST: is a cross-disability organization that advocates for the civil rights of all people who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood. They work to increase societal acceptance of people with speech-related disabilities and improve access to effective augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This is a crucial issue for nonspeaking autistic people, who often aren't taught AAC because of the ableist misconception that they can't understand language. CommunicationFIRST's leadership consists primarily of people with diverse disabilities, including a nonspeaking autistic advocate as the board chair and several more autistic people on the board and staff.
https://communicationfirst.org/
NeuroClastic: A nonprofit run by neurodivergent people, NeuroClastic offers articles, personal stories, and resources that reflect the lived experiences of autism. Their content is often more raw and advocacy-focused, with a strong emphasis on identity-first language and anti-ableist practices.
Thinking Person's Guide to Autism (TGPA): Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism is an evidence-based online resource created by autistic people, parents, and professionals committed to respectful, inclusive, and informed conversations about autism. The site features articles on a wide range of topics—from advocacy and education to health, identity, and lived experiences. TPGA centers autistic voices and promotes neurodiversity-affirming perspectives, making it a valuable space for both autistic individuals and allies seeking thoughtful, research-backed insights.
https://thinkingautismguide.com/
Though we continue to recognize Autism Awareness Month, we must cultivate acceptance, understanding, and action year-round. Autism is not something to be feared or fixed, it is a valid and valuable way of experiencing the world. By listening to Autistic voices, learning from current research, and creating inclusive environments, we can build a society where neurodiversity is respected and celebrated. Whether you're seeking resources, supporting a loved one, or advocating for change, know that the journey toward true inclusion starts with compassion and continues with education. Together, we can create a world where Autistic individuals are empowered to thrive—exactly as they are.