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Autism Acceptance: Beyond April

Every April, Autism Acceptance Month shines a spotlight on the experiences, challenges, and strengths of individuals with autism. While this dedicated time spreads awareness, true acceptance must extend far beyond a single month. Autism is a lifelong journey, and support, understanding, and inclusion should be part of our daily lives. 

Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough 

Autism awareness initiatives might educate individuals who don’t understand autism spectrum disorder or how it can affect children and families, but real change and progress can only happen through acceptance. Autism acceptance fosters environments where individuals with autism feel valued, understood, and included. With autism acceptance, we can move beyond awareness and take action to break down barriers and stereotypes and embrace neurodiversity in schools, workplaces, and communities.  

What You Can Do to Support Autism Acceptance Year-Round 

• Education & Advocacy: Continue learning about autism and advocating for policies that support neurodiverse inclusion. 
• Empowering Voices: Listen to and amplify autistic voices in discussions about neurodiversity. 
• Accessible Spaces: Ensure workplaces, schools, and public spaces accommodate differences and integrate solutions. 
• Meaningful Inclusion: Develop genuine friendships, create job opportunities, and build support systems with individuals on the autism spectrum. 
• Celebrate Neurodiversity: Learn how people’s brains work differently to empathize with and acknowledge other ways of thinking.  

True inclusion happens when we embrace neurodiversity every day, not just in April.  

Celebrate Autism Acceptance with Heartspring! 

Every student in the Heartspring Therapeutic Residential & Day School has a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis, many of which are level three, or profound, autism. For our students who communicate with limited verbal or augmented and alternative communication systems, we know how important it can be to find outlets for expression. Our art program empowers students to make a mess and show their true colors with a variety of accessible mediums.  

Art can help regulate your nervous system, boost creativity, and provide a valuable outlet for emotions or stress. Not to mention, you have a beautiful piece of work to share with others! 

Our students’ work will be on display at the Envision Arts Gallery (801 E Douglas Ave Suite 106, Wichita, KS) from April 4-25 and is free to the public! We can’t wait to celebrate and appreciate the art our students created — in full color.