There are around 5.4 million adults diagnosed with autism in the United States, making it all the more important that April is Autism Acceptance month. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing and behavior. While individuals with autism may face challenges in certain areas, they also possess unique strengths and talents. Autism Acceptance month represents a time to appreciate and advocate for autistic adults and children and their contributions to society.

“Autism has always existed. Autistic people are born autistic and we will be autistic our whole lives. Autism can be diagnosed by a doctor, but you can be autistic even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis,” reads the “About Autism” page of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). “Because of myths about autism, it can be harder for autistic adults, autistic girls and autistic people of color to get a diagnosis. But anyone can be autistic, regardless of race, gender, or age.”

The ASAN website has a resource library for autistic individuals that can be found here.

The New College Accessibility Learning Center (ALC) is located in Hamilton Classroom (HCL) 5. It provides support for neurodiversity, disabilities and other needs of the student body, and can be reached at aalc@ncf.edu. The ALC is hosting an Autism Acceptance month scavenger hunt throughout April, where participants can stop by between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to pick up a worksheet to get started. Details of the scavenger hunt can be found on the ALC Novoconnect page.