04/26/2026
April is also Autism Awareness Month/World Autism Month! 💙
If you want to be helpful, supportive and inclusive, focus on reducing barriers. Here are some concrete ways to do that in real life.
If you’re a family member, friend, or neighbor🧡:
*Ask what support looks like for that person. Don’t guess.
*Offer specific help: rides, meals, paperwork support, child care, or a quiet break.
*Respect sensory needs. Things like lighting, noise, and crowds matter.
*Assume competence. Give time and space for communication.
If you’re an educator or school leader✏️:
*Build predictable routines and share changes early.
*Use plain language and clear expectations.
*Support accommodations without making students “prove” their needs over and over.
*Use positive behavior supports. Avoid punishment for disability-related needs.
If you’re an employer or coworker ✔:
*Offer clear instructions and predictable schedules when possible.
*Normalize accommodations. Treat them like basic tools, not favors.
*Make interviews more accessible. Be specific about the job tasks.
*Create a workplace culture where people don’t have to mask to be accepted.
If you’re a health care provider 🏥:
*Slow down. Explain what will happen next.
*Offer quieter spaces, reduced waiting times when possible, and sensory-friendly options.
*Ask how the person communicates best and how you can support that.
*Include the person with autism in decisions about their own care.
