Two hands forming a heart shape around a colorful autism infinity symbol. Text reads "Autism Acceptance Month 2025 – How to Get Involved.

World Autism Acceptance Month 2025: How to Get Involved

*note, this article was written by an Autistic teacher, and uses mostly identity-first language, which is preferred by many autistic people. There will also occasionally be person-first language, because some people with autism have this preference. This is intentional, and not a mistake. Note that person-first language should not be the default, despite what many educators were taught in the past! 🙂

April is one of our most important months in the disability and Special Ed world—it’s Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month!

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a brain develops. For many years, autism was misunderstood, and autistic individuals faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities.

This month is the perfect time for us to not only raise awareness about autism but, more importantly, to promote inclusivity.

What do you need to know about Autism Acceptance Month 2025? Continue reading to discover how you and your students can participate in this event!

 

What Is Autism Acceptance Month?

A colorful design with an autism infinity symbol and the words "World Autism Acceptance Month 2025 – Celebrating Differences" surrounded by bright stars

Autism Acceptance Month starts with World Autism Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and continues throughout April.

The theme for World Autism Acceptance Month in 2025 is “Celebrate Differences.” It encourages us to see that each person is unique and their differences are a normal part of life. Instead of thinking of autism as a condition that needs to be fixed, we should celebrate the differences autism brings.

This month is all about autism acceptance, a movement that promotes understanding and supporting autistic people. It’s not just simply raising awareness—it’s about taking action to build understanding, promote inclusion, and create supportive environments for them.

 

History of Autism Acceptance Month

A white background with blue puzzle pieces surrounding the words "Accept. Understand. Love." in colorful text, with a small heart at the end.

Did you know that Autism Acceptance Month was originally called Autism Awareness Month? Over time, the focus of the month isn’t just about making people “aware” of autism, but more on the acceptance of autism.

The month kicks off with World Autism Awareness Day, which was originally founded by Dr. Bernard Rimland in 1970 after his own son was diagnosed with autism. The first Autism Awareness Month was held in April 2007 with the goal of educating people on autism and raising awareness of its existence.

Since then, the movement has occurred yearly, with a new goal—to tell the stories of autistic people. Autism Awareness Month now aims to cultivate understanding and acceptance of autism, which includes the wants, needs, struggles, and triumphs of autistic people.

 

Why You Should Join Autism Acceptance Month

A smiling person wearing a rainbow-striped sweater, illuminated by colorful light reflections

Worldwide, 75 million are autistic, yet many of these individuals continue to face discrimination. For example, 40% of adults with autism have never worked in a paid role. On top of that, a lot of autistic children still experience bullying and isolation.

As Special Education teachers, we have the power to create positive change. By taking part in Autism Acceptance Month, we can:

  • Help our students understand autism and reduce stigma.
  • Advocate for our autistic students and their families.
  • Create inclusive classrooms where everyone feels valued.
  • Give our students and other autistic individuals better opportunities in the community.

 

More than anything, we’re showing our students that differences are something to celebrate, not fear.

 

How to Participate in the World Autism Acceptance Month

There are many ways to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with your students!

#1: Teach about Autism

In order to accept something, we must first understand it. That’s why the first step is educating your students and even yourself about autism.

You can do this by incorporating an autism lesson in your curriculum or dedicating a unique “Autism Acceptance Day” filled with lessons and activities about autism.

Additionally, you can hold an event at your school where parents and students can come in and learn all about autism and how it affects people. 

Share books, documentaries, videos, personal stories, or autism resources, like this bundle of Autism Acceptance & Awareness lessons, activities, and posters.

 

Worldwide, 75 million are autistic, yet many of these individuals continue to face discrimination. For example, 40% of adults with autism have never worked in a paid role. On top of that, a lot of autistic children still experience bullying and isolation.

As Special Education teachers, we have the power to create positive change. By taking part in Autism Acceptance Month, we can:

  • Help our students understand autism and reduce stigma.
  • Advocate for our autistic students and their families.
  • Create inclusive classrooms where everyone feels valued.
  • Give our students and other autistic individuals better opportunities in the community.

More than anything, we’re showing our students that differences are something to celebrate, not fear.

 

#2: Invite a Guest Speaker

Listening to someone with a lived experience is powerful. Consider inviting an autistic speaker or a family member to share their story. You can also look for virtual events that feature autistic voices and attend them as a class.

By hearing from first-hand experiences, your students can gain a deeper understanding of the topic better than just watching a presentation or reading a textbook.

 

#3: Wear Red

You may have heard of the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, where folks wear blue clothing or accessories. This campaign originated with Autism Speaks to show support for autism acceptance. 

But have you heard about the #redinstead campaign? The RedInstead movement, initiated in 2015 by autistic individuals, promotes acceptance and inclusivity for those with autism. Their goal is to redirect the dialogue surrounding autism from awareness to appreciation.

Similarly, many in the autistic community have begun to use the gold infinity sign to represent autism, instead of the puzzle piece symbol. Some in the community still prefer the puzzle piece, but many autistic folks find the puzzle piece (and the “light it up blue” campaign) offensive. 

 

#4: Share on Social Media

Aside from sharing your “Red Instead” photo, you can also use social media platforms to spread messages of autism acceptance.

Amplify personal stories, posts, and event details originating from actually autistic folks, and make sure to credit them! 

Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags, and if your students have social media accounts, encourage them to take part too!

 

A round graphic with the words "Autism Acceptance Month" and hashtags #AutismAcceptance, #RedInstead, #CelebrateDifferences, and #Neurodiversity.

#5: Participate in Fundraising Events

Join a fundraising event, either online or in person, like walks or runs, to help raise funds for local groups that support autistic people and their families.

Another idea is to hold your own fundraising in school! You could host a bake or craft sale, or even run your own student-run business.

Involving your students this way can help them learn functional skills while also helping the autism community.

 

#6: Continue Your Support After the Month

Autistic individuals are still there after World Autism Acceptance Month concludes. Make it a continuous effort to support them in however small a way you can, and encourage your students to do the same.

Start with your classroom. Create a neurodiversity-affirming classroom environment where all your students feel included. 

Advocate for sensory-friendly spaces and teach your students about empathy and kindness.

 

A teacher sitting at a desk with a young boy, guiding him through an activity. The boy is smiling and holding a small device while looking at the teacher.

 

Autism Acceptance Month reminds us that differences are what make the world beautiful. This April, let’s campaign for this advocacy. Help your students and other autistic individuals by practicing autism acceptance.

If you’re looking for resources to get started, check out this FREE Autism Acceptance Awareness Lesson!

Next, check out the What is Autism Handouts & Activities. These resources are no-prep materials that you can use for a neurodiversity-affirming lesson on autism acceptance and awareness.

How are you planning to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in your class? Start small—whether it’s putting up a poster or sharing a story. Every step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive world.