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I thought this TikTok provided a nice visual as to why high/low functioning terms can be harmful to the autism community. And shows how there are many overlaps in neurodiversity.

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I’ve found a few posts by creators whom want to emphasize the changes that are being made and how everyone can help amplify the voices of the autistic community. The first thing I noticed was that instead of saying autism awareness it should be autism acceptance. Another change I noticed was that the puzzle piece is no longer considered as a symbol for the autistic community. Instead, they encourage the use of the rainbow(neurodiversity) or gold (autism) infinity symbols. Also, instead of using blue, they encourage the use of red. In this post, the influencer discussed why these changes are important for the autistic community. In our classroom sessions, we have discussed that it is important to look at the child/person as a whole and how they can be supported in a natural environment. We are now hearing the voices of the adult autistic community, so I think it is important to hear their voices, support them and educate others.

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2.4K Likes, 82 Comments. TikTok video from Samantha Edwards (@realsamanthaedwards): "This April will be full of squashing misconceptions about autism. Are you wearing your red? #wearredinstead #autismspeaksdoesntspeakforme #autismacceptancemonth #autismacceptance #autismacceptance2023 #autismeducation". original sound - Samantha Edwards.

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In this article from the Washington post we see the frustrating feelings a mom has about the big corporations lighting it up blue while she is seeing red. After reading this post about a mother that has three children on the spectrum I get the sense that she needs more from the big corporations than just a month of recognition that is not addressing the real needs of the people they are trying to support. One of her children is twenty, one year away from the day she is not considered to have be on the spectrum anymore even if she is. I would be seeing red as well If I had to think of ways to help support my autistic child when nobody else will after twenty one. This is not even what she is so upset about. It was more about how the corporations have a broad statement like lite it up blue, than getting down in the trenches and making a difference by actually supporting and helping people on the spectrum. I liked the post and wonder how this woman is doing right now, I hope she has more supports for her and her children as they grow. I know they need it and this is what her post is pointing out, that corporations don't need to light things up but rather help support with moor research,documentation and money donated to make a real difference.

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Shonta Bazile

Both autism  acceptance and awareness are vitally important,

First people need to understand that autism is real and it is happening.
There are many layers of awareness that the world need to fully understand before they can accept autistic people.
All people are experiencing autism differently depending on their socio economic background, their abilities, and their race and ethnicity.
Some people believe that autism is something demonic in some cultures. Some communities and family do not have the adequate resources to help combat autism and some children has other developmental disability together with autism. Being aware of all other things that comes with autism is good to acceptance. However, most people don’t accept the differences in people And that idea poses a barrier for autistic people Acceptance is being able to change your mindset on how you look at autism and creating a world that is accepting of all people and altering the environment to include people with autism

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This video touched me as it was in response to another person who wrote in the comments of another post "stuck inside a body that doesn't work properly". That is a very offensive comment and she does a great job of shining light on the positive side of Autism. She shares that both her and her son are Autistic. As she talks about herself and her son she explains just as we learned in class that their brains are wired differently and how there is nothing broken or wrong about that. She talks about some of the characteristics we have discussed in class such as how behavior is a form of communication when you are not able to speak. She discusses how her son pays attention to detail, he hears, he watches as even though he may not speak he is still absorbing everything in the environment. Her message came across as their differences make them who they are. She also shares a similar message that I have seen discussed in a some of the videos my peers posted which is awareness leads to acceptance. Her last message really stood out to me, she says her and her son are triangles in a world of circles and no matter how many times you try to make them fit in the circle they won't. Hearing this made me think of how many other neurodivergent people may be feeling this way. By spreading awareness we can help people to understand better and build more acceptance in the world!

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In this video, she talks about some of the misconceptions and issues that are commonly brought up during autism awareness month, specifically with Autism Speaks. In class, we briefly talked about how many people with autism are against Autism Speaks and the puzzle piece, which I was unaware of at the time. We have learned in class that Autism Speaks is widely known for pushing for a "cure" to autism, which is why many individuals are against it. She mentions how some people with autism don't like the puzzle piece because it is infantilizing, it symbolizes that they are incomplete, it was created without input from the autism community, and proposes that autism is a disease that needs to be cured. It is harmful to think of ASD solely as a children's disorder, or as something that needs to be fixed. She mentions some history relating to the puzzle piece, and how a gold or rainbow infinity symbol is an alternative accepted by many individuals with autism. I did notice that in the comments of some of her tik toks, some people with autism did comment that they appreciate the puzzle piece because they felt like their diagnosis was their missing puzzle piece that helped them make sense of their life and accept themselves. Obviously, not all individuals with autism will feel the same way. But, a lot of people in her comments did seem to appreciate the information she provided in her video, and it goes along with the discussions we had in our class regarding the misconceptions of ASD, some history regarding Autism Speaks, and some issues with the ways that people with autism are perceived.

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Why the puzzle piece is bad!#worldautismday #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptancemonth #autism #puzzlepiece #infinitysymbol #infinityloop #neurodivergent #autisticadult #autismawareness #autismacceptance #learn #learning #educational #asd #neurospicy #audhd #autismhistory 

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@saranne_wrap
Why the puzzle piece is bad!#worldautismday #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptancemonth #autism #puzzlepiece #infinitysymbol #infinityloop #neurodivergent #autisticadult #autismawareness #autismacceptance #learn #learning #educational #asd #neurospicy #audhd #autismhistory
♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show

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This video briefly explains the difference between identity first and person first language. We learned in the beginning of the semester that people in the autism community may have their own preference in which of the two they want people to use. It is appropriate to use either, however when in doubt, one should ask the person they are communicating with, which one they prefer.

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A post shared by Blair Imani Ali ✨ (@blairimani)

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I chose this video because it covers so many topics that we have discussed in class. The beginning of the TikTok talks about how important it is to listen to the voices of people with autism and their individual experiences.  I agree with the creator of this video that no one knows about autism more than individuals with autism. It was also interesting to hear her perspective on the organization Autism Speaks. For my website review, I reflected on this organization. I agree with the individual who made this video that the puzzle piece symbol Autism Speaks uses makes it seem as though they are trying to "find a missing piece" or that "we are problems to be solved." She also says  how the "light it up blue" perpetuates the stereotype that only boys or men can be autistic and that it is more common in children and not adults. She said we should use the colors red or yellow to represent Autism in April this month.   Essentially, this video really stresses "autism acceptance month,"  and what we really need is awareness as "we are not puzzles to be solved." I love how the video also ends with the rainbow sign and says, "celebrate Neurodiversity." I enjoyed this video a lot.  she brought up really important topics as she wants to raise awareness and erase certain stereotypes about Autism.

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it’s autism month! here are some things to remember when celebrating & supporting autistic people like myself this month: listen to autistic voices, share, follow, support autistic creators, learn from autistic people. don’t support autism speaks, the puzzle piece or “light it up blue”. go #redinstead or #goyellow! ♾️🦈✨ happy autism month! 💖🥳  . #autismacceptancemonth #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptanceandawaeenessmonth #actuallyautistic #autisticowned #autisticsmallbusinessowner 

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@comewhatnay
it’s autism month! here are some things to remember when celebrating & supporting autistic people like myself this month: listen to autistic voices, share, follow, support autistic creators, learn from autistic people. don’t support autism speaks, the puzzle piece or “light it up blue”. go #redinstead or goyellow! ♾️🦈✨ happy autism month! 💖🥳 . #autismacceptancemonth #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptanceandawaeenessmonth #actuallyautistic #autisticowned #autisticsmallbusinessowner
♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

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Autism is a complex developmental disability that has many facets and can be very easily misunderstood by many. This video resonated well with me because in a simple way, it not only draws awareness, but it is also a perfect representation of the many misconceptions on autism that continues to exists in our society today. The questions asked of the group were very simple and the responses given were from different race or ethnic backgrounds. A clear representation that autism affect anyone no matter one's race or status. The highlight of this video for me was the concluding segment, where the interviewer identified himself as someone with ASD as well as the rest of his crew. Furthermore, thanks to technology we can continue to embark on this journey to educate and bring awareness on autism and the power of neurodiversity.

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National Autism Awareness Month: Autism Society #CelebratesDifferences

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I came across Jenna’s page while scrolling on TIk Tok. What I like about this post is that although she agrees that the focus of autism should shift from awareness to acceptance, there are still misconceptions about autism that exists. As an autistic person, Jenna believes in order for acceptance to occur, people need to be aware of these misconceptions. I agree with this sentiment, we can shift the focus from awareness to acceptance but the correct information needs to be shared with the world so that those who do not know, become more aware. Jenna also expresses that not only should autistic individuals be accepted, they should be included, embraced, and celebrated. I agree because as we all know neurodiverse people think differently from neurotypical people and there is nothing wrong with that, it is absolutely ok to have different ways of thinking and doing things!

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Beyond Autism Awareness... To Acceptance And Appreciation!

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Beyond Autism Awareness... To Acceptance And Appreciation!

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Sometimes I hear people say, "It's April and its Autism Awareness Month!" Some said "It's Autism Acceptance Month!" Some would like to argue "What's the difference between Autism Awareness and Autism Acceptance?"

This video provides information of how this day are move "beyond awareness" to "improve understanding" , "build inclusion" , "create acceptance" and "appreciation".

I highly recommend for everyone to watch this video since it is very informative, giving us examples of some old paradigm about autism awareness vs the new paradigm of neurodiversity.

We are all unique individuals and accepting each other is a key to quality of life!

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Beyond Autism Awareness... To Acceptance And Appreciation! (World Autism Awareness Day 2021)

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Too many times those with autism have been told that its not a disease, something that they will just grow out of, or will get over when you are good and ready. The world needs to accept those with Autism. people with autism are just born with a super power, one in which if you take out to learn and understand you will learn that is hard, yet beautiful. What the world needs to learn and understand that Autism isn't something that you can out away when you get home, or wake up the next morning and it is gone. It is simply one can be proud.

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Too many times, people without autism have been given a platform to share their thoughts on autism and how they believe people with autism could be helped. That is why I chose this post by Bear, who is transautistic and a neurodiversity advocate. In this post, Bear talks about the myths surrounding autism, the facts that most people ignore about autistic adults, and how people with autism's portrayal in the media by nonautistic people is harmful. People with autism are not suffering and needing to be saved. They don't need to be spoken for and kept marginalized by the stereotypes society has created for them. They need to be given platforms to communicate their thoughts and experiences, and not just for one month of the year. Bear's post does a great job in advocating for acceptance for all neurodivergent individuals.

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A post shared by Bird (@birdsellergren)

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Danya Katok-Ahlbin: Kaelynnvp on Instagram

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Danya Katok-Ahlbin: Kaelynnvp on Instagram

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I chose this post by Kaelyn, an woman with autism whom I follow on Instagram. On Autism Awareness Day, which happens to be her birthday, she brings up the question of autism awareness vs autism acceptance and which one is better. She states that autism awareness means “you know who I am,” while autism acceptance means “you’re glad to see me,” and that you can’t have one without the other. I actually disagree with her second statement. Acceptance doesn’t mean you are happy about or like someone. I think it means that you understand why someone is the way they are and you don’t judge them for it. One commenter, a mom of two twins with ASD, said she thinks awareness is better than acceptance because if she could take her kids’ ASD away (which she says causes so much pain and hardship on both the children and caregivers) she would in a minute. This shocked me and actually makes me believe this mom does not accept her children’s diagnosis. As the mom of a special needs child (cerebral palsy) I totally understand the desire to take away your child’s pain. I would like that for my child as well. But my child, and her children, are who they are because of their conditions. They wouldn’t be who they are without them and I wouldn’t want my son any other way than how he is. So, as much I hear what she is saying, I think acceptance is most important.

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A post shared by Kaelynn Partlow | Autistic Advocate (@kaelynnvp)

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I chose this video for April because I wanted a video that shared the perspective of someone in the Autistic community. Far too often non-autistic individuals share their ideas about the ways we should refer to and treat individuals with autism. In this video the woman talking discusses the concept of autism as a spectrum. She shares that Autism is thought of as this continuum with "very autistic" on one end and "not very autistic on the other". She illustrates the idea that autism is more like a color wheel with each color representing a different feature related to  autism such as social communication or emotional awareness.
Essentially she is communicating the idea that we shouldn't be treating people with autism like they are all the same, or that there is an end of the spectrum that is somehow better than the other in relation to "how autistic they are" It's the idea that non autistic individuals peddle this notion that individuals with autism are suffering from this disorder when really they suffer from the oppressive attitude of non -autistic individuals
The video helps to put in perspective just how capable these individuals are when we treat them like they "are" capable. Non- autistic individuals need to move away from the idea that autistic individuals are suffering living with autism instead of thriving be individuals experiencing life with autism.

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68.2K Likes, 1.1K Comments. TikTok video from CareGen (@caregenltd): "Brilliant speech! 👂🏾 #autism #autismawareness #asd #caregen #autismacceptance #autismoftiktok". original sound - CareGen.

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I chose this video because I think the goal was to authentically highlight the autistic community. I like that the news network had Kerry, an autistic man, speak on his own experiences and how having autism has shaped who he is. I think it not only focuses on the positive things he's doing in his life and for the autism community, but also on who he is as a person with autism. The tone of the interview is positive to reflect the tremendous contributions he has made and continues to make.

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This was beyond my wildest dreams. #fyp #foryou #autism #autismacceptance #autismawareness #worldautismawarenessday

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@kerrymagro
This was beyond my wildest dreams. #fyp #foryou #autism #autismacceptance #autismawareness #worldautismawarenessday
♬ original sound - Kerry Magro

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I like this video because it touches on a range of topics. The video discusses the puzzle piece and introduces the use of a rainbow or infinity sign instead. Similarly,
the speaker touches on the language used in the past (high and low functioning) and currently used language, as well as an understanding that each individual may have different language preferences. She touches on the lack of representation of women and people of color but that they are becoming more acknowledged within the autism community.
I did like how she said "autism is not an epidemic" but continued to say "autism is highly genetic" and "the population is increasing". She does not note the correlation between increased research and diagnosis as a reason for the population increase. She continues to note that an autism diagnosis is inaccessible. These points were a bit confusing. However, she continues to note that she prefers "autism acceptance month" because we are already aware of autism, we are just waiting for people to accept the community.
For the most part, I enjoyed this video and found it informative!

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@saranne_wrap
Things you should know for Autism Acceptance Month #actuallyautistic #autismacceptancemonth #autismawarenessmonth #autismacceptance #autismawareness #autism #neurospicy #puzzlepiece #autismspeaksdoesntspeakforme #functioninglabelsareharmful #asd #spectrum #learnontiktok #aspergers #learning #advocacy #autisticlatina #woc #autisticadult
♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show

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One of my coworkers actually posted this and I felt it was very appropriate for this assignment. I love how it highlights the need for inclusion for Autistic individuals. They also provide insight into co-occuring conditions that many Autistic individuals face including anxiety, OCD, and many others. They are also calling it Autism Acceptance day rather than awareness.

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A post shared by Lauren Melissa Ellzey (@autienelle)

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This TikTok video brings awareness to the symptoms and traits of someone with Autism. She briefly mentions her experiences from when she was younger and how they shaped her present self. There were also times when her symptoms were misdiagnosed as something else, which shows how important it is to refer to the DSM-5. She has sensory issues with textures, meltdowns, selective mutism, is detail-oriented, has alexithymia, is hyperfocused regarding special interests, etc. The symptoms of an individual vary and are unique from person to person.

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@saranne_wrap
#autismtraits #actuallyautistic #autisticadult #autism #autistictraits #autismsymptoms #asd #learnontiktok #autisticlatina #learning
♬ Tubarão Te Amo - DJ LK da Escócia & Tchakabum & Mc Ryan SP

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When I search online for information regarding autism awareness, I find that there is a lot of information available. On the Word Autism Month/Autism Speaks website the picture was found and in my mind it symbolizes that autism people are not alone, that when they stand together they are able to make a world of difference, and that is true, everyone is unique in their own way.

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Bethsy's Post. Happy April 1st and Autism Awareness Month! ♥️

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Bethsy's Post. Happy April 1st and Autism Awareness Month! ♥️

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I think this post is very informative to the public because it provides an insightful definition of what Autism is about and also includes those stereotypical core features we have been learning about in class. I agree with the definition. However, an important aspect that I thought this post lacked to mention was that the cause of Autism is unknown. Also, since it is a spectrum, people may exhibit some common signs and experience this neurological disorder differently.
I love the second part of this post because before taking this course, here and there, I have seen people post about Autism awareness month in different months throughout the year, so that was ambiguous to me. The second part gave a solid background of when it all started and the changes that occurred over the year with the name and its symbol.