7 Positive Ways Self-Advocates, Parents and Educators Are Spreading Autism Awareness

When April is over, autism awareness must continue! In fact, it should never end, even when the public becomes more accepting and inclusive of autistic individuals. As people evolve in their understanding, what we talk about in terms of awareness will change. It’s important that we keep the conversations going so we can demystify autism. No, our work as a community is not done. In fact, we are just beginning.

Here are some interesting ways that self-advocates, parents and educators are spreading autism awareness in their communities:

1. Give kids a Marvel-like experience.

James and Jonathan are self-advocates who think the best way to talk to kids about autism is through a marvelous Marvel-like universe called The Mighty League. Using a comic, they share what it’s like to be on the autism spectrum. The dynamic duo has been busy inspiring kids to become Superheroes of Acceptance! Ambassadors of Kindness! Friends of Friendliness!

Did you know that you can get their Mighty League comics for free? Find out more…

2. Take people on an adventure.

Forget Pokémon GO. Courtney and her son Liam from A Legion for Liam are showing their community that Autism Rocks! They decorate rocks with facts about autism and place them around their town, like park benches, water fountains, and door frames. They just want to make people smile as they spread awareness. “We’re having fun and people have messaged me that they have found them.”

3. Bring “Julia” to school library.

Using Sesame Street’s “Julia” as her inspiration, Eraj made a colorful display and brought it to her son’s school to educate elementary-age children about autism. Her life-sized Julia cutout caught the kids’ attention! What’s next for this mom advocate? “I’m working on getting this into our public libraries and other schools in the neighborhood.”

4. Shine a spotlight on self-advocates.

Stefanie of the Starfish Social Club is giving her students a wonderful way to self-advocate and educate their community about autism. Twenty-five are stepping into the spotlight to tell their stories on video. Once completed, they’ll show it at their schools. How empowering!

5. Graffiti a high school hallway.

Lisa from Quirks and Chaos has been an active positive advocate for awareness and inclusion since her son Tate’s autism diagnosis at a very early age. She created the very successful lunch buddy program that has helped Tate make lifelong friendships. Lisa never stops coming up with creative ways to educate others. For Autism Awareness Month, she graffitied the hallways of her son’s high school with comic strips about autism.

6. Be inventive in your storytelling.

Mandi captured her son’s story in The Littlest Inventor, a children’s book about the self-advocacy of a child on the spectrum who finds inventive ways to manage his sensory processing issues. The book has opened a lot of doors for Mandi and her son, Sawyer, to help inform people about autism. “I don’t want autism to be stigmatized, and I want my son and all kids to be confident in themselves and their abilities; that’s why it’s important to me to talk about autism.”

7. Hashtag for better understanding.

Trisha is a teacher who’s trying to make a difference for other teachers and for students on the autism spectrum who deserve a better education. Her popular blog is a favorite go-to resource for educators looking for advice, training and support for working with autistic students. She recently launched a hashtag campaign to give autistic individuals a chance to be heard. #WIWMTU is an opportunity to say “What I Wish My Teacher Understood.”

This article originally appeared on Geek Club Books blog and they ask: What actions are you taking or what ideas do you have for spreading kindness, awareness and acceptance? Join our Acceptance Ambassadors and let us know what you’re doing!