Autistic Pride Day 2024- History and Significance

World Autistic Pride Day is celebrated every year on 18 June. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the concept of “autistic pride”. Moreover, it acknowledges the value of pride for those who are autistic as well as its contribution to the advancement of society at large. The fact that people with autism organized Autistic Pride Day is its most important feature since it shows their capacity to speak up for themselves. Despite the fact that June 18 is Autistic Pride Day, pride activities can take place at any time throughout the year and are frequently held on that weekend due to logistical considerations.

Name of the day	Autistic Pride Day
Date of Celebration	18 June
First Celebration in	2005
Who celebrated	AFF (Aspies For Freedom)

History of Autistic Pride Day

AFF is an advocacy and support organisation that wants to increase public understanding of the autism rights movement. The mission of AFF is to inform the public that there are benefits and drawbacks to being on the autism spectrum and that it is not always a disability.

• Aspies for Freedom celebrated the first Autistic Pride Day in the year 2005.
• Aspies For Freedom (AFF) chose June 18 as the inaugural date for Autistic Pride Day.
• The date collided with the birthday of the group’s smallest member at the time.
• The day is celebrated in order to increase public awareness and highlight the commonalities and uniqueness of people with autism. It immediately expanded into a worldwide celebration both online and offline.

What is the Significance of Autistic Pride Day?

The majority of public perceptions about autistic people are false and based on outdated definitions regarding what autism is or isn’t erroneous stereotypes and media portrayals. Here are a few reasons highlighting the significance of this day.

• Paying attention to the voices of the disempowered like Brown, Black and LGTBQIA+ Autistics is the whole aim of this day.
• The theme of Autistic Pride Day is having human rights, particularly the right to live our lives as we see fit. Autism sufferers should feel free to stim and express themselves in whatever they like without being pressured to fit into neurotypical norms.
• People around the World celebrate Autistic Pride Day to combat the stigma associated with autism. 
• It is celebrated to make every individual feel safe interacting in their own way whether verbally or amplifying the voices of individuals who are disempowered and isolated in the Autistic Community itself. 
• Members of the autistic community should never be viewed as damaged neurotypicals since their ways of being are valid. Due to historical mistakes and disinformation that is widely spread, autistic people constantly confront stigma, prejudice, and discrimination at school, at work, and in our families and communities. 
• Autism is a neurological and developmental disability. Although raising awareness of autism is a fantastic first step, we think acceptance is more crucial. While autism awareness educates us about the disorder, acceptance sheds attention on actual autistic people leading normal lives.

Also Read: International Day of Neutrality: History, Theme, Significance

“ There should be Nothing About Us Without Us.”

How to Celebrate Autistic Pride Day

Wear an infinity rainbow pin or ribbon on June 18 to raise awareness of autism.

When physical gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic were impossible, autistic advocates worked together under the auspices of the Autistic Pride Alliance to organize an online celebration of autism that featured speakers from four different continents. On YouTube, there was an 11-hour marathon for Autistic Pride Day in 2020, and it was held again in 2021.

Each person with autism will have different strengths and struggles because it is a spectrum disorder. There are numerous subtypes of autism, but no specific example. 

We may foster compassion and understanding by appreciating the skills, abilities, and accomplishments of autistic children and adults as they are. In order to bring the concept of acceptance into perspective, a floral theme is picked. Although each flower is unique, they are all lovely. In the same vein, people with autism are unique but no less significant than everyone else.

Embracing Neurodiversity

The neurodiversity movement aims to broaden the acceptance of everyone’s differences and the understanding that these differences don’t need to be “corrected” or “changed.” Accepting neurodiversity also entails recognising these people’s experiences and avoiding labelling them as weaknesses. Instead of trying to force others into a world that is fundamentally different, we may build a more welcoming society through understanding.

There are numerous advantages to embracing neurodiversity and fostering inclusive environments for people with autism, from lowering stigma and discrimination to encouraging innovation and creativity. We can create a more accepting and kind society for everyone if we acknowledge and value the special talents and contributions of people with autism.

Also Read: World Teen Mental Wellness Day: History, Goal, Importance

Myths About Autism

There are some common myths about Autism:

• Vaccines are the cause of autism.
• Autism is a disorder that affects children.
• People with autism have a unique talent.
• Learning challenges are experienced by autistic people.
• People with autism are antisocial.
• Autism is treatable.
• Only boys have autism.
• Poor parenting is a cause of autism.

Coping Strategies for Autistic People

There are 6 different coping strategies for Autistic People:

• Plan ahead – Having a plan and regularity is usually soothing to autistic persons. They will then be aware of what to anticipate.
• Self-control and awareness of stress and anxiety symptoms – It’s helpful to know how to control one’s emotions and recognise the telltale indications of stress. Someone can avoid it or at least be ready for it if they are aware of potential triggers.
• Recognising, discussing, and reflecting on the day’s events Talking about the day not only helps the autistic person recall things but also develops their social abilities. Another advantage is that any triggers that were present and either recognised or not can be documented for situations in the future where they might arise again.
• Create a structured schedule and follow it – A structured timetable is beneficial because it ensures consistency and prevents unpleasant shocks.
• Create and use peaceful, constructive techniques Knowing and using relaxing coping mechanisms will be helpful if and when stressful situations arise.
• Consider something for which you are grateful. Gratitude makes people feel good about their circumstances. It is a constructive habit that aids in reducing depression as well as stress.

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