Autism Acceptance Month: Moving Beyond Awareness to True Understanding
April is often recognized as Autism Awareness Month, but for many in the autistic community, awareness isn’t enough. We need acceptance, understanding, and meaningful change. Autism isn’t a problem to be solved. It’s a neurotype, a way of thinking and experiencing the world.
At The Traveling Psychologist, I believe in neurodiversity-affirming care, which means supporting autistic individuals without trying to change who they are. This blog will explore what true autism acceptance looks like, break down common myths, highlight the overlap between autism and ADHD, and offer ways to support autistic adults beyond just recognizing their existence.
From Awareness to Acceptance
Many organizations have focused on “Autism Awareness,” but awareness alone doesn’t create change. Most people have heard of autism, but they may still hold outdated or harmful beliefs. Acceptance means moving beyond stereotypes and truly understanding the autistic experience.
The Problem with Awareness Campaigns
Traditional awareness campaigns often:
Focus on autism as a disorder rather than a neurotype.
Use deficit-based language that implies autistic people are “broken” or need fixing.
Rely on puzzle piece imagery, which many autistic individuals dislike because it suggests they are incomplete.
Instead, neurodiversity advocates emphasize acceptance, support, and rights. Acceptance means making space for autistic individuals to thrive as they are, not forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations.
Understanding Autism Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens
Autism is not a disease. It is a natural variation in human neurology, characterized by unique ways of thinking, communicating, and processing the world.
Here’s what that really means:
Autism Is a Different Operating System, Not a Defect
Autistic brains process information differently. Some describe it as using a Mac in a PC world. One isn’t better than the other, but they function differently.
This can affect:
Communication – Autistic people may prefer direct, literal language and struggle with implied meaning or sarcasm.
Sensory Processing – Sensory input (lights, sounds, textures) may be overwhelming or underwhelming, leading to sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviors.
Social Interaction – Autistic individuals often prefer deep, meaningful conversations over small talk. Social norms like eye contact or body language may not come naturally but are not indicators of disinterest.
Autism Doesn’t Have a “Look”
Many people still associate autism with young boys who struggle with social interaction, but this stereotype is outdated. Autism presents differently in different individuals, and many autistic adults (especially women and nonbinary individuals) go undiagnosed for years.
Common traits that may be overlooked include:
Masking – Hiding autistic traits to fit in, often at the cost of mental health.
Burnout – Chronic exhaustion from trying to navigate a neurotypical world.
Special Interests – Deep passion for specific topics, sometimes dismissed as “obsessions” but actually a source of joy and expertise.
Autism Exists in Adults, Not Just Kids
Autistic children grow up to be autistic adults, yet resources and conversations often stop at childhood. Many autistic adults were misdiagnosed or undiagnosed entirely, leading to years of confusion, self-doubt, and struggles with mental health.
Autistic adults often face:
Workplace challenges – Difficulty with office politics, sensory issues, or unclear expectations.
Relationship misunderstandings – Struggles with communication, emotional reciprocity, or navigating social norms.
Mental health struggles – Anxiety, depression, and burnout from masking or feeling misunderstood.
Breaking Common Myths About Autism
Myth 1: “Autistic People Lack Empathy”
Reality: Many autistic individuals experience hyper-empathy, feeling emotions intensely but expressing them differently. Some may struggle with reading facial expressions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care.
Myth 2: “All Autistic People Are Either Nonverbal or Geniuses”
Reality: Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning there is a wide variety of abilities and challenges. The idea that all autistic people are either nonverbal or savants ignores the vast majority who fall somewhere in between.
Myth 3: “Autism Can Be Cured or Outgrown”
Reality: Autism is a lifelong neurotype. Autistic individuals don’t “grow out of it”, they often learn to adapt or mask in ways that can be exhausting and harmful to their mental health.
Autism and ADHD in Adults: The Overlapping Spectrum
Autism and ADHD often co-occur, yet many adults go through life with only one diagnosis, or sometimes none at all. Research suggests that up to 50-70% of autistic individuals also have ADHD, and many adults don’t realize they are both autistic and ADHD (often called AuDHD).
While autism and ADHD are separate neurotypes, they share many overlapping traits, making it difficult to distinguish one from the other, especially in adults.
Shared Traits of Autism and ADHD in Adults
Executive Dysfunction – Both neurotypes struggle with planning, organization, and task initiation. ADHDers may experience inconsistent motivation, while autistic executive dysfunction is often tied to overwhelm and rigidity.
Sensory Sensitivities – Both autistic and ADHD adults experience sensory processing differences, but ADHDers are more likely to be sensory-seeking, while autistic individuals may be more sensory-avoidant.
Social Differences – ADHDers may struggle with impulsivity in conversations (interrupting, blurting out thoughts), while autistic individuals may struggle with understanding social norms and unspoken rules.
Hyperfocus & Special Interests – ADHDers experience hyperfocus but may switch interests frequently, whereas autistic individuals often have lifelong special interests that bring comfort and joy.
Unique Differences Between Autism and ADHD in Adults
Routine & Structure – Autism prefers predictability and struggles with change. ADHD thrives in novelty and dislikes routine.
Social Interaction – Autistic adults may avoid socializing due to sensory or communication challenges. ADHDers enjoy socializing but may struggle with impulsivity.
Attention & Focus – Autistic individuals often have deep focus on special interests and difficulty shifting attention. ADHDers are often easily distracted and have difficulty maintaining focus.
Sensory Processing – Autistic adults are frequently hypersensitive to sounds, textures, and lights. ADHD adults may seek sensory stimulation (e.g., fidgeting, loud environments).
Challenges of Being Autistic and ADHD as an Adult
Masking & Burnout – Many AuDHD adults develop high-masking tendencies, leading to chronic exhaustion and mental health struggles.
Contradictory Traits – ADHD seeks novelty and spontaneity, while autism craves routine and predictability. This internal push-and-pull can cause stress.
Misdiagnosis & Late Diagnosis – Many adults are diagnosed with ADHD but not autism (or vice versa) because clinicians often don’t recognize the overlap.
Recognizing the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD allows for better self-understanding, accommodations, and mental health support. Instead of treating them as separate conditions, they should be viewed as part of the broader neurodivergent experience.
How to Support and Advocate for Autistic Adults
True autism acceptance means advocating for real change. Here’s how you can help:
Challenge Ableism in Everyday Conversations
Use identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”) if the person prefers it.
Avoid pathologizing language like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning.” Instead, describe specific support needs.
Make Spaces More Accessible
Offer quiet spaces in workplaces and public events.
Be mindful of sensory-friendly options (adjust lighting, allow noise-canceling headphones).
Provide clear, direct communication in emails and instructions.
Respect Self-Advocacy
Autistic adults know what they need. Listen to their experiences and perspectives instead of assuming what’s best for them.
Support Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapies
Instead of therapies that focus on “fixing” autism, support approaches that honor autistic ways of thinking and communicating. Avoid ABA therapy, which is often criticized for prioritizing compliance over well-being.
Moving Forward: Celebrating Autistic Voices
Autism Acceptance Month is about uplifting autistic voices, not just talking about autism. Follow and support autistic advocates, creators, and professionals. Some great places to start include:
Instead of just being “aware” of autism, let’s build a world where autistic people feel safe, valued, and supported.
Want to Learn More?
At The Traveling Psychologist, I specialize in neurodivergent-affirming therapy and assessment. If you’re an autistic adult or suspect you might be, reach out to learn more about my services. You deserve support that truly understands you.
Let’s make this April about acceptance, not just awareness.
