Today is not only the day to wear blue,for World Autism Awareness Day, but this month is also National Autism Awareness Month.
In 1970, the Autism Society launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism can achieve the highest quality of life possible. It was in 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM). Apr. 2 kicks off the efforts to spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change.
One of the world’s most celebrated Autistic people is Temple Grandin, a scholar, University professor, world-renowned bovine expert and groundbreaking personality who showed the world that those on the autism spectrum are an essential part of taking the world to the next level of discovery.
“Autism is a very big continuum that goes from very severe — the child remains nonverbal — all the way up to brilliant scientists and engineers,” explains Grandin.
Grandin, one of the biggest advocates for the Autism world, continues to emphasize the broad spectrum to which autistic people fall into. A spectrum she says ranges from half the people working in Silicon Valley to those that are no verbal and need assisted living help.
And although autism is still being “discovered,” those that fall into the spectrum are celebrated each year, reminding the world that a different mind can help change the world for the better.
“It is never too late to expand the mind of a person on the autism spectrum.” – Temple Grandin
