Autism is a developmental disability that may cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.  People with autism may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from others.  Signs of autism spectrum disorder include difficulty with communication and social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors.  Autism affects each person differently; some people with autism have advanced conversational skills, whereas others may be nonverbal.  Some may require lots of assistance in their daily lives, while others can work and live with little to no additional help.  Autism affects each person differently; therefore, each person has their own unique strengths, challenges, and treatment needed. 

“Autism affects so many people in so many different ways, and dedicating a month to its celebration and acceptance is really important and powerful,” said senior Reyaneh Nadi.

While there is no cure for autism, behavior analysts say early intervention is essential. Due to the fact that autism affects each individual differently, treatments are personalized to the individual by multiple professionals.  Doctors examine a child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis since there is no official test that can generate positive results for autism. Applied behavioral analysis and services allow children with autism to develop and refine the essential skills to learn, grow, and succeed in everyday life.

In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month.  This April, the Autism Society of America, alongside leading disability organizations across the country, has called the media to move “awareness” to “acceptance” to foster change and inclusivity for everyone affected by autism. They are formally shifting references of “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month”, or 4A: short for Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy Month.  This shift in language is necessary to match the growing need for acceptance as the knowledge of autism continues to grow.

“Words matter as we strive for autistic individuals to live fully in all areas of life… As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system,” said Christopher Banks, President, and CEO of the Autism Society of America

Regardless of proper terminology, ​​there has never been a formal designation for the month of autism awareness.  Therefore, as part of this shift, the Autism Society of America is leading a significant effort for the federal government to officially designate April as “Autism Acceptance Month.”

On April 1, students and staff launched Autism Acceptance Month on Autism Acceptance Day in our very own community in Port Washington.  Special education teacher Ms. Gloria Vaserstein and FACS teacher Ms. Margaret Rizzo worked collaboratively with INVEST, Human Development classes, and Schreiber Buddies for Schreiber to demonstrate their support through Autism Acceptance Day.  

“Some of the students working at the table self-identify as Autistic and Neurodiverse. They were energized by the support from Schreiber.  Whether you wore blue or red instead, we thank you for your participation,” said Ms. Vaserstein.

Students and staff signed messages for acceptance that were placed on a Neurodiversity symbol that will hang outside of the auditorium for the month of April.  In addition, gold stickers were distributed to the student body.  It was a fantastic opportunity to make everyone at Schrieber feel accepted; every act goes a long way. 

“Showing your support is as simple as signing your name on one of the colorful circles like I did with a green one that now hangs on the Neurodiversity symbol.  It truly goes a long way and can make a difference in someone’s life way beyond what you think,” said senior Rebecca Michaels.

The day was described as a collaboration between the INVEST class and Schreiber Buddies in the lobby.  Multiple essential goals were met. 

  “When at the table, students were responsible for three things: handing out stickers (gold in color to represent Autism Acceptance), encouraging faculty and students to sign Acceptance statements to place on our Neurodiversity symbol, and answering any questions about the changes made this year,” said Ms. Vaserstein.

Many students collaborated with faculty to ensure that the day flowed as smoothly as possible. 

“I was happy to hear that our Schreiber students who had concerns with our school plans for this day met with Ms. Vaserstein to share their thoughts and collaborate on a new approach. It is wonderful that all student perspectives can be represented and that we were able to come together with a more inclusive approach for Autism Acceptance Day.  A special thanks to Ms. Vasserstein for being able to adjust and deliver so quickly,” said health teacher Ms. Janine Goldstein. 

“I was happy to hear that our Schreiber students who had concerns with our school plans for this day met with Ms. Vaserstein to share their thoughts and collaborate on a new approach. It is wonderful that all student perspectives can be represented and that we were able to come together with a more inclusive approach for Autism Acceptance Day,” said health teacher Ms. Janine Goldstein.