Autism is lifelong—Our acceptance must be too

Autism has received increased attention recently, resulting in the rise of harmful misinformation about the autism community. As misinformation continues to spread, it’s more important than ever that we come together to reinforce and amplify our commitment to acceptance. While we must begin with awareness, it’s knowledge that leads us to true acceptance. Autism lasts a lifetime. So should our commitment to acceptance.

Autism is a spectrum, meaning each individual may have varying abilities and challenges related to social communication, repetitive behaviors, and intensely focused interests.  According to Pat Pulice, Chief Clinical Officer at Fraser, “Autism is related to brain development and the symptoms can vary greatly from individual to individual.”

For autistic individuals and their families, the disorder can manifest in ways that make them feel isolated and excluded. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), individuals with autism may have difficulty with social interactions and communication. That can look like minimal eye contact, or an inability to display the “usual” responses to emotions or social cues.

Additional attributes are often displayed through stimming behaviors like repeating phrases, flapping their hands, rocking their body, or spinning in circles. Changes in routines can create unease and lead to hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive behaviors, as well as unusual mood or emotional reactions, including big reactions.

Autism is not something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s like saying, ‘You’re not good enough and we’re going to change you for our own comfort,'” one autism advocate said. It needs to be understood, respected, and celebrated.

Awareness doesn’t help individuals or families feel that they belong – only acceptance can do that. Many families experience what’s known as “alternating participation syndrome,” where one parent stays home with their child who has autism while the rest of the family attends a community event or outing. Autism acceptance means building communities where everyone is welcome. It means offering accommodations so families can participate fully—together. And it means recognizing and celebrating the creativity, passion, unique strengths, and valuable perspectives that individuals with autism bring to the world.

Acceptance looks like giving someone with autism space to stim if it helps them calm down. Acceptance means not furrowing your brow when you see a child with autism acting impulsively or dysregulating with tears, yelling, or throwing things. Acceptance is asking a parent of a child with autism if they need some support.

Belonging starts in our neighborhoods, schools, airports, theaters, sports fields, parks, and businesses. It begins when we create spaces where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. It’s not only about imagining a world where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and valued just as they are—it’s about making that world a reality.

Together, let’s choose acceptance over awareness, belonging over barriers, and empowerment over exclusion. Let’s build spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected. When everyone can belong, our communities are stronger. Together, we can create a world where every individual can thrive, no matter their ability.