April 1 marks the 1st day of Autism Awareness Month, a significant month in which we can recognize people with autism simply by wearing blue. Many people overlook this month and don’t see it as very important, not recognizing how something so simple can make someone feel so good or bad. This month, we can listen to people with autism, their stories, and their struggles and promote acceptance and inclusivity. Many people with autism are judged and made fun of. They’re stamped with an assumption they mean less than other people on our campus, which is very unfair and not right. 

Autism acceptance is crucial as it can change someone’s day entirely by doing something as simple as waving and smiling, contributing to conversation, or taking time out of your day to listen. The San Dimas High School Best Buddies club does all this and more as members of the club help special needs kids and make friends while assisting them in making crafts, playing games, and more. Senior Madison Coss, President of the Best Buddies Club, chimes in, saying, “ Participating in Best Buddies is one of my best decisions in high school as it makes me so happy seeing the smiles on their faces and helping them with crafts and listening to them and talking about anything.” Many people do not give people with autism a chance; instead, they just judge them for what they see on the outside rather than getting to know them. 

Autism awareness is much more than just recognizing autism is a thing. It’s taking action, trying to be inclusive and understanding, being less judgemental, and more outgoing to people with autism and special needs in general. People outside of the spectrum often misunderstand autism. As someone who has an Autistic brother, it’s very disappointing to see firsthand how many people in the community view people with autism as different and as if there’s something wrong with them. I feel during Autism Awareness Month, people should take time out of their day to talk to those with autism or special needs. It is vital that everyone feels included because feeling excluded, forgotten, or lonely is very detrimental to mental health. Even little things can make people feel so much better. People with autism need to be accepted, not avoided.