Autism Acceptance Month 2025
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to promote understanding, support inclusion, and push for better care, resources, and respect for people with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world.
Today, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, up to 6% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) also have autism.
Autism acceptance efforts gained national recognition in 1988 through a presidential proclamation, but it wasn’t until 2021 that many organizations officially shifted the focus from awareness to acceptance.
This growing movement has helped challenge stigma, expand services, and build stronger communities, but there’s still a long way to go.
This month is a chance to stand with the autism community and support meaningful, lasting change.
What Is Autism Acceptance Month?
Autism Acceptance Month (AAM) takes place every April and aims to show support, inclusion, and acceptance for individuals diagnosed with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and behaves.
Symptoms can vary widely, which is why autism is considered a “spectrum” disorder.
Some children, including those with cerebral palsy, may also have co-occurring autism. These conditions can overlap and create unique challenges that require personalized care and early support.
Autism Acceptance Month is a national initiative led by the Autism Society of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1965.
As one of the oldest and most respected autism advocacy groups in the country, the Autism Society works to improve the lives of people with autism through education, advocacy, services, and community support.
In addition to the month-long observance in the U.S., World Autism Awareness Day is recognized globally each year on April 2, following a 2007 resolution from the United Nations.
Autism Acceptance in 2025: A Call for Inclusion
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Autism Society of America, which continues to lead the shift from awareness to true acceptance.
The 2025 theme, “Autism Is,” encourages people to reflect on autism as both a personal identity and a shared experience — one that deserves respect, understanding, and lifelong support. Autism Acceptance Month focuses on real change, not just recognition.
This year’s campaign encourages everyone to:
- Acknowledge co-occurring conditions, like autism and cerebral palsy
- Amplify voices of autistic individuals and families
- Embrace identity-first language, when that’s the person’s preference
- Expand access to support in schools, health care, and daily life
- Improve early intervention, with services tailored to each child’s needs
- Promote inclusion in classrooms, workplaces, and communities
By focusing on action instead of just awareness, Autism Acceptance Month helps create a more supportive world for people of all ages on the spectrum.
How to Get Involved During Autism Acceptance Month
Autism Acceptance Month isn’t just about learning, it’s about taking action to support real inclusion and meaningful change.
Supporting the autism community can look different for everyone, but the goal is the same: Create a world where autistic people are valued, heard, and fully included.
Here are 5 ways to show support this April and beyond:
- Ask, don’t assume. Respect each person’s preferences, including the language they use to describe their autism. Some people prefer identity-first language like “autistic person,” while others do not.
- Challenge stereotypes. Learn from autistic advocates, and share accurate information in your own circles.
- Make a donation. Donating to organizations like the Autism Society helps fund services, education, and advocacy that benefit families nationwide.
- Get involved locally. Volunteer with an autism organization in your community or attend events during Autism Acceptance Month to learn and connect.
- Support accessibility. Advocate for better accommodations in schools, workplaces, and health care settings to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities.
Autistic people are already leaders, artists, thinkers, and advocates. Showing support means standing with them, not speaking for them, and working to remove the barriers that still exist in daily life.
Supporting Families Year-Round
National Autism Acceptance Month is a time to recognize the experiences of all people with autism, including those who also live with any type of cerebral palsy.
When these two conditions overlap, families may face added challenges in daily life, like managing multiple therapies, navigating school support, and facing communication barriers.
Autism and cerebral palsy are both lifelong conditions that require personalized care. Families dealing with both often encounter extra stress in getting the services, accommodations, and understanding their children deserve.
At Cerebral Palsy Guide, we know how hard it can be to manage these overlapping conditions, and our team is here to help. Call (855) 220-1101 or download our free Cerebral Palsy Guide to learn more.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
