Event Series:
Autistic Pride Day
Autistic Pride Day
June 18
Autistic Pride Day
Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated in 2005 by the organization Aspies For Freedom (AFF). The purpose of the awareness day was for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to celebrate their neurodiversity and differences. Consequently, it became an event celebrated worldwide. One amazing quality about this event is that it is not run by charities. It is run by individuals with ASD.
Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on June 18 every year. It is a day dedicated to individuals with ASD. They focus on being autistic and proud and to celebrate who they are. It is celebrated by all autism organizations worldwide.
Autistic Pride Day is acknowledged by the rainbow infinity symbol pin, which is available on this site. This symbol signifies the diversity of individuals with ASD. It also recognizes the endless opportunities and differences within the autistic community. It represents neurodiversity. Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. There is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving. And differences are not viewed as deficits.
The American Autism Association was founded in 2010. Since that year it has marked June 18 to celebrate the unique individuals in the autistic community.
What is Autistic Pride Day?
The terminology shift led by the Autism Society is overdue progress to celebrate. But, as it turns out, people with autism previously kick-started a similar positive shift within the disability community. This observance aims to heighten awareness about the value of people with autism. The effort is all about reframing the negative perception of needing to cure or treat a medical epidemic. Instead, it is to appreciate the wonderfully unique and purposeful individuals who live with autism spectrum disorder.
When people with autism (or any difference) are confronted with unfortunate myths about their condition, they may naturally tend to feel less valid. But diversity, including neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is not a problem. Rather, it is an exceptional distinction to embrace. Yes, autism can create added hurdles. However, discrimination against those with the condition is unnecessary and, frankly, wrong.
A Movement Led By People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Pride Day is a movement led by people with autism spectrum disorder advocating for themselves, versus organizations that spearhead efforts. According to numerous reports, June 18 was chosen because it was the birthday of the youngest member (at the time) of the Aspies for Freedom group. Somewhat modeled after the grassroots movement of Pride Month, in support of the LGBTQ+ community, the rainbow infinity icon that represents Autistic Pride Day symbolizes “diversity with infinite variations and infinite possibilities.” In fact, some believe that, just like the slow-moving advancement for LGBTQ+ issues, the same level of awareness and acceptance should and will eventually come for people with autism.
People with disabilities are the largest and most diverse minority within the population, representing all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Disability pride (and autism pride) is an integral part of movement building, and a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability. However, a disability is not the only identity one has. For example, one may identify by gender, race, height and many other physical or emotional attributes. All of a person’s identities are important and have value.
Autistic Pride Day is a reminder that people with autism have always been and will continue to be an important, treasured part of our human society. People with autism can and should feel proud of themselves and promote that being different, and/or autistic, is absolutely OK!
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes issues with communication, social, verbal, and motor skills.
The most important thing to know about autism is that it is a spectrum disorder, meaning its effects vary from person to person. No two people with autism have the same symptoms. Symptoms generally appear in the early stage of childhood before the age of three. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Early intervention has proven to be one of the most effective strategies to raising a child with autism. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) includes Asperger’s Syndrome.
Why Autistic Pride Day is Important to the Autistic Community
Within the disability community and beyond to the community-at-large, April is widely known as Autism Awareness Month. Plus, this timeframe includes World Autism Awareness Day, an internationally-recognized observance held annually on April 2. First held in 1972 by the Autism Society, the monthly-long focus has historically promoted the understanding of autism spectrum disorder.
About 1-in-44 children are identified as having autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Autism is a complex developmental condition caused by differences in the brain. While abilities vary greatly per person, people with autism may behave, communicate, interact and/or learn in ways that are different from others.
Autistic Pride Day, held annually on June 18, is a lesser-known observance (compared to the April observances). However, its significance is equal to (or perhaps even believed to be greater than) Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day. That’s because it is driven by members of the autistic community.
