Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.
With April 2nd being world autism awareness day, it is a time to show support for those living with autism and their family members. Schools can play an important role in raising awareness by providing activities that teach students about autism and spread understanding. Whether it’s hosting a special assembly or organizing a fundraising event, there are plenty of ways for schools to get involved in national Autism Awareness Month. Here are some autism awareness month activities for schools, activities that teachers, staff, and students can participate in to show support during this important month.
First held in the year 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month also called Autism Awareness Month is celebrated in the month of April. It emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate differences, and be more inclusive toward autistic individuals around us.
Why is autism awareness important?
Raising Autism awareness is important because it’s the best way to advocate for autistic people. By participating in activities that promote acceptance, we can advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum and help get a better understanding of the challenges they face. This can help reduce stigma and promote acceptance and inclusion.
As a parent of an autistic child our needs and experiences are usually so much different than that of other parents. At the end of the day, we have to fend for ourselves whenever it comes to resources. This can be particularly hard when you factor in the educational component. Connecting families with support services who are new to the autism community would be so helpful.
What are some challenges autistic children face at school?
There are so many different ways an autistic child (or anyone with special needs) might feel left out. Some of the challenges we have faced with our own son has been a disregard for his IEP. Difficulty making new friends because social interactions are difficult with peers. Depending on the school staff or the grade level, changes to rules and expectations might lead to sensory overload. A lack of clear communication between teachers and us.
How can you promote autism awareness in the classroom?
Host an assembly and invite a speaker to share their experience with autism. One of the different ways is to have autistic students or classroom teachers share their stories. By amplifying the voices of autistic people, you get to hear from those who are often being spoken over during autism awareness month. Try to center and highlight stories from within your community. We should all be listening to autistic individuals.
Ask students to create artwork that celebrates people on the spectrum by highlighting their strengths and talents in some way. This could include poetry, painting/drawing, music compositions/performances, or even decorating a classroom door. This is could be one of many fun ways for the child’s school to foster a sense of belonging. It’s a great way for autistic learners to feel seen.
Foster an inclusive environment
Read autistic children’s books written by autistic writers. I happen to have a list of Black autism books for young children you can read it here. Books are also a safe space for children to be able to learn about peoples, and cultures other than their own. Every child should be able to feel represented. Having books available with autistic characters should really be the bare minimum.
Create a bulletin board, banners, and other wall decorations around the school to promote autistic creatives they admire.
Hold a fundraiser-based event where you team up with an Autistic-led business (local businesses/organizations) to raise money for organizations that support individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This can be a run or walk at the school or even a read-a-thon.
Educate students and staff
Create educational resources and materials for teachers and staff on how best to work with and support autistic students in the classroom setting. This could include tips on communication skills, sensory needs, and other resources for supporting those on the spectrum. Schools should provide training and lesson plans to teachers and staff on autism and its related challenges. This can help teachers better understand the needs of their autistic students, and provide them with appropriate accommodations.
Have a sensory walk. Educators can set up sensory stations in the classrooms to engage the class in sensory play. There are so many benefits to sensory play for all kids including fine motor skills and cognitive development. You can make stations with kinetic sand, beans, beads, and even play dough. The main goal is just to stimulate children’s senses of sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.
Why Should Schools Participate in Autism Awareness Month Activities?
Participating in Autism Awareness Month activities is a great way to help promote understanding and acceptance of autism in the school community. By raising awareness about autism and its impact, schools can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students on the autism spectrum.
Schools can take advantage of a variety of autism awareness activities such as campaigns, fundraisers, assemblies, and discussions to bring greater understanding and inclusion of those with autism into the school community. Autism Awareness Month activities for schools can make a difference in the lives of many families and create a more inclusive environment for everyone with developmental disabilities.
Raising awareness is not enough. What autistic people need from us as allies are for us to listen to them. To not just be aware, but for there to be acceptance. They aren’t something that needs to be fixed. All autistic people aren’t the same, and no two experiences are.
[…] During Autism Acceptance Month, communities around the globe participate in a variety of activities to promote understanding and acceptance. Educational seminars, community education events, social media campaigns, and special events offer many ways to get involved. […]