Why Autism Awareness and Acceptance Matter

Why Autism Awareness and Acceptance Matter

The recent loss of Parker Wells has left many people heartbroken. Parker was a non-speaking autistic child who went missing, and his story has brought attention to something that families in the autism community understand all too well: greater autism awareness is not optional. It can be vital.

Awareness helps people recognize that an autistic person may experience and respond to the world differently. What looks unusual to someone unfamiliar with autism may actually be a person communicating, coping or trying to feel safe.

An autistic person may not make eye contact. They may not respond when their name is called, especially when they are overwhelmed, frightened, deeply focused or unable to process what is happening around them. A non-speaking person may understand far more than they are able to express verbally.

This is why it is so important that we do not assume someone is ignoring us, being rude or refusing to cooperate.

Autistic people may also regulate their emotions and nervous systems in different ways. Repetitive movements, pacing, rocking, humming or using a familiar object can help a person feel calmer and more secure. These behaviours should not automatically be stopped or judged when they are not causing harm. They may be exactly what that person needs to manage an overwhelming environment.

Sensory differences are also common. Everyday sounds, lights, smells, textures and crowds may feel much more intense to an autistic person. This is why you may see someone wearing noise-reducing headphones in a store, airport, classroom or public event. They are not necessarily being antisocial. They may be protecting themselves from sensory overload.

Food and clothing can create similar challenges. Some autistic people have a limited number of preferred foods because certain tastes, smells or textures are difficult to tolerate. They may eat the same meal every day because it feels predictable and safe. Clothing seams, tags, fabrics or tight waistbands can also be uncomfortable or even painful.

Autism can also affect a person’s understanding of danger. Some autistic children and adults may wander or leave a safe area unexpectedly, sometimes referred to as elopement. A person who is frightened, overwhelmed or seeking something familiar may continue moving without recognizing traffic, water, weather or other hazards.

This is one of the many reasons awareness matters. When communities understand autism, they are better able to respond quickly, calmly and appropriately. They may recognize that a missing autistic person might not answer when called, approach a stranger for help or react in an expected way.

Autistic people are not all the same. Every person has their own strengths, challenges, interests, communication style and support needs. Some require assistance throughout their lives, while others live independently. Many have deep passions, strong memories, unique perspectives and an ability to notice details that others miss.

Many simply march to the beat of their own drum.

What most autistic people and their families want is not pity. They want understanding, dignity, patience and acceptance. They want to be included without being forced to hide the parts of themselves that make them who they are.

Awareness is the first step, but acceptance must follow.

We create safer and more inclusive communities when we learn instead of judge, pause before making assumptions and recognize that communication does not always look or sound the way we expect.

In Parker’s memory, may we continue learning. May we listen to autistic voices and their families. May we become more aware of the signs of distress, sensory overload and elopement. Most importantly, may we help create a world where autistic people are understood, supported and accepted exactly as they are.