Happy Autism Awareness Month

Autism; what comes to your mind when you see this word? Disability, disadvantaged or someone without a voice? I don’t know about you however, none of these words come to mind when I see or hear the word autism. April is world autism awareness month which should be a time of celebration, a time where we should not be afraid to tell people that we are on the autism spectrum, however I know for a fact that this will not be the case for many. The stigma that surrounds the autism community is what prevents us as a community to live a normal, happy and safe life. This same stigma is the reason the majority of us on the autism spectrum have hidden our diagnosis from educators, employers and even our closest of friend’s. This stigma is the reason I and many others speak up and tell our stories as we have had enough.This month let’s celebrate being different and show the world that we are no longer afraid of this stigma that has controlled our lives for too long. Let’s celebrate by gathering together and participating in one or more of the many events being held this month and show the world what it truly means to be autistic. Happy Autism Awareness Month Bryce Pace Autism Advocate, Blogger, Speaker