As the world observes Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, it marks more than just an acknowledgment of a condition. It represents a global movement that’s evolved from simply understanding autism to actively embracing and celebrating the unique individuals, like myself, who are part of the autistic community. For many of us, this day is an opportunity to reflect on our journeys, not just with contentment, but with genuine pride in who we are. While autism can present certain hurdles in social interactions and daily life, the distinct advantages and strengths that come with our neurodivergence are undeniably worth celebrating.

A Special Day for Us: Understanding Autism Awareness Day

This Day of Awareness finds its origins in the United Nations General Assembly, which established World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2007.¹ This declaration through resolution A/RES/62/139 underscored a global recognition of the pressing need to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism, ensuring their complete and meaningful integration into society.² The very act of the UN dedicating a day to autism highlights its importance as a worldwide issue, impacting a substantial portion of the population.⁴ It’s a crucial step towards acknowledging the fundamental rights and overall well-being of autistic individuals. The UN’s involvement elevates autism from being solely a medical concern to a matter of human rights and the necessity for societal inclusion. Having this global platform facilitates the widespread dissemination of information and the promotion of positive change on a grand scale.

Initially, the focus of Autism Awareness Day was primarily on increasing public knowledge about autism spectrum disorder.¹ However, over time, a significant shift has occurred. The movement has matured to actively champion the acceptance, appreciation, and complete inclusion of autistic individuals, alongside recognizing their valuable contributions to society.³ This evolution from mere awareness to active acceptance is a pivotal development, largely driven by the powerful advocacy of the autistic community itself.⁶ 

Many felt that simply being “aware” of autism didn’t adequately address the deep-seated issues of prejudice and the pressing need for fundamental societal change. “Awareness” can sometimes be a passive state, merely acknowledging the existence of autism. In contrast, “acceptance” embodies a more profound understanding, genuine respect, and a true willingness to accommodate the diverse ways in which autistic individuals experience and interact with the world. This deliberate change in terminology underscores a collective move towards a more empowering and truly inclusive perspective.

The core purposes of World Autism Awareness Day are multifaceted. They include raising overall public awareness about autism spectrum disorder, educating the broader community, fostering deeper understanding, and vigorously advocating for the fundamental rights and overall well-being of individuals with autism and their families.¹ It’s also a vital opportunity to celebrate the unique strengths and remarkable abilities that autistic individuals often possess.¹ It’s a time to actively challenge the many misconceptions and pervasive stigma that unfortunately still surround autism.⁸ Furthermore, the day emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention to ensure that we autistic individuals receive the support they need from a young age.¹ 

Ultimately, Autism Awareness Day underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive support, readily available resources, and the deliberate creation of more inclusive and genuinely supportive environments within our schools, workplaces, and wider communities.⁴ This multifaceted purpose clearly demonstrates a holistic approach to effectively supporting the autistic community, addressing everything from initial understanding to long-term inclusion and empowerment. By focusing on education, advocacy, and the celebration of inherent strengths, the day strives to cultivate a positive and supportive ecosystem for us, acknowledging our diverse needs and significant contributions.

The theme for this year, World Autism Awareness Day 2025, is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.³ It powerfully highlights the crucial intersection between the concept of neurodiversity and the global sustainability efforts championed by the United Nations. It effectively shows how implementing inclusive policies and practices can drive profoundly positive change for autistic individuals across the globe while simultaneously contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.³ 

This year’s theme carries particular significance as it directly links the understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity to the broader global aspirations for a sustainable and equitable future for all. By doing so, it positions autistic individuals not merely as recipients of support, but as valuable and integral contributors to society’s overall progress. By explicitly connecting neurodiversity with the SDGs, the UN emphasizes that the inclusivity of every individual, including those with autism, is absolutely essential for successfully achieving global goals related to health, quality education, meaningful employment, and the critical reduction of inequalities. This connection elevates the conversation far beyond individual well-being to encompass the broader impact on societal advancement.

Acknowledging Autistic Challenges in the Everyday Landscape

Living with autism involves navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals. This can lead to unique challenges, particularly with social interaction. Many autistic individuals experience difficulties in social communication and interaction.⁵ This can manifest as challenges in understanding and accurately interpreting both verbal and nonverbal cues. These cues include crucial elements of communication like facial expressions, body language, gestures, and the subtle nuances of tone of voice.¹² Furthermore, the seemingly straightforward acts of initiating and maintaining conversations, grasping the intended meaning of figurative language or sarcasm, and naturally taking turns during communication can also present significant hurdles.¹² Forming and sustaining meaningful friendships, along with engaging in the give-and-take of social reciprocity, are also common areas of difficulty.¹²

These social interaction challenges can unfortunately lead to feelings of profound isolation, pervasive loneliness, and heightened anxiety in various social situations.¹² The concept known as the “double empathy problem” sheds light on this, suggesting that communication breakdowns are not a one-sided issue. They can occur due to fundamental misunderstandings on both sides when autistic and non-autistic individuals attempt to interact.¹⁸ This implies that the difficulties in social interaction are not solely attributable to autistic individuals lacking inherent social skills. Rather, the differing communication styles and distinct ways of interpreting social cues that exist between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals play a substantial role in creating these challenges. Recognizing and understanding this “double empathy problem” is crucial. It shifts the primary focus away from solely trying to “fix” autistic individuals (as we don’t need fixing!) to instead fostering a greater sense of mutual understanding and more effective communication strategies between both groups.

Beyond social interactions, daily life can also present its own set of hurdles. Many autistic individuals experience significant differences in sensory processing.¹³ This can lead to either heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or reduced sensitivity (hyposensitivity) to a wide array of sensory inputs, including sounds, lights, textures, tastes, and smells. When sensory input becomes overwhelming, it can trigger significant distress, increased anxiety, and even lead to meltdowns.¹⁵ 

Furthermore, difficulties with executive functioning can impact daily routines and overall independence.²² Executive functioning encompasses crucial skills such as planning tasks, organizing belongings, effectively managing time, and successfully completing multi-step activities. For many autistic individuals, a strong preference for established routines and predictability is paramount. Me, I lean towards the predictability end of the spectrum. Consequently, even seemingly minor changes in their daily schedule or unexpected events can be a significant source of anxiety and distress.¹² Communication challenges, which can be both verbal and non-verbal, also play a significant role in daily life, affecting the ability to clearly express personal needs, thoughts, and feelings.¹²

The impact of these everyday challenges can be substantial, influencing various aspects of life, from basic personal hygiene and dietary habits to successfully navigating the often complex environments of school or the workplace.¹⁵ These interconnected challenges underscore the critical importance of fostering widespread understanding, practicing patience, and providing appropriate accommodations and tailored support systems for autistic individuals. 

Sensory sensitivities can transform seemingly ordinary environments into overwhelming experiences, executive function difficulties can significantly hinder independence in daily tasks, and communication challenges can unfortunately lead to frequent misunderstandings and considerable frustration. These realities highlight the necessity of creating consistently supportive and predictable environments while also equipping autistic individuals with effective tools and practical strategies to navigate these inherent difficulties.

Celebrating the Strengths of Autism

While acknowledging the challenges is important, it’s equally vital to recognize and celebrate the unique brilliance that often accompanies autism. Many autistic individuals possess remarkable cognitive advantages. One such advantage is an exceptional attention to detail, allowing for the keen observation of patterns, subtle nuances, and intricate details that others might easily overlook.⁴⁶ This heightened awareness can be a valuable asset in various fields, as it has been for me as a writer, editor, and digital marketer. 

Furthermore, many autistic individuals exhibit remarkable memory skills, characterized by the ability to absorb and retain factual information with impressive accuracy and demonstrate superior recall.⁴⁶ Many also excel in analytical and logical thinking, demonstrating a strong ability to break down complex problems into manageable components and develop innovative solutions.⁴⁶ The ability to maintain focused attention and dedication, sometimes referred to as hyperfocus or monotropism, allows for deep concentration and the mastery of skills in areas of intense interest.⁴⁶ Furthermore, enhanced pattern recognition abilities are also commonly observed.⁴⁷

These cognitive strengths directly challenge the traditional deficit-based perspective of autism, clearly highlighting the unique ways in which our autistic brains process information and achieve excellence in specific domains. The capacity for hyperfocus, for instance, often cultivates deep expertise that can be exceptionally valuable across numerous fields. We shouldn’t view hyperfocus as a potentially negative trait, such as being “stuck” on a particular subject. Rather, it can be reframed as a powerful ability to become fully immersed in a topic, ultimately leading to profound understanding and significant skill development. Similarly, the strong attention to detail that many autistic individuals possess can result in remarkable levels of accuracy and thoroughness. These are qualities that are highly prized in many professional and personal contexts.

Beyond cognitive advantages, many autistic individuals possess unique and valuable personal qualities. Honesty and integrity are often highly valued, with many demonstrating truthful and straightforward communication.⁴⁶ A strong sense of justice, morality, and fairness is also frequently reported.⁵⁵ Heightened creativity is another common trait, often leading to innovative and original ways of thinking.⁴⁶ Many autistic individuals are deeply loyal and dependable, particularly when it comes to established schedules and routines.⁴⁷ Some also report experiencing strong empathy, especially towards animals or other autistic individuals.⁵⁵ 

These personal attributes clearly demonstrate that autism is not solely defined by challenges. Traits such as honesty, unwavering loyalty, and a strong commitment to justice are highly valued within society. Furthermore, the potential for unique creative perspectives can drive significant innovation across various fields. The long-held stereotype of autistic individuals lacking empathy is increasingly being challenged. Many autistic people experience empathy deeply, although they may express it in ways that differ from neurotypical norms. The strong sense of justice that many possess can also motivate them to advocate passionately for fairness and equality. These qualities contribute to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the diverse autistic experience.

Strength	Description	Examples of Benefits
Attention to Detail	Exceptional ability to notice small details and patterns.	Quality control, proofreading, data analysis, identifying inconsistencies.
Deep Focus/Hyperfocus	Intense concentration on specific interests or tasks for extended periods.	Achieving expertise, completing complex projects, in-depth research, problem-solving.
Pattern Recognition	Ability to identify and understand complex patterns and systems.	Mathematics, computer programming, data analysis, music, science.
Memory Skills	Excellent long-term memory and recall of facts and details.	Academic learning, retaining information, recalling specific events.
Analytical/Logical Thinking	Ability to break down complex problems and approach them systematically.	Problem-solving, decision-making, scientific inquiry, strategic planning.
Honesty & Integrity	Strong sense of truthfulness, straightforward communication, and adherence to ethical principles.	Building trust in relationships, ethical decision-making, reliability in work.
Creativity	Unique and original ways of thinking and expressing ideas.	Art, music, writing, design, innovative solutions in various fields.
Loyalty & Dependability	Strong commitment to routines, schedules, and valued individuals.	Reliability in work, consistency in relationships, adherence to commitments.

Finding Joy in Who We Are as Autistic

For many within the autistic community, the journey has progressed beyond simply being content with our condition to actively feeling proud of our autistic identity.⁸⁹ This profound sense of pride often originates from a deep recognition of the unique strengths and valuable perspectives that autism inherently brings. Autistic Pride Day, observed annually on June 18th, serves as a significant counter-celebration to Autism Awareness Day for a considerable number of individuals. It places a strong emphasis on acceptance and actively celebrates the rich diversity within the autistic community.⁴ 

The very concept of “Autistic Pride” represents a powerful affirmation of intrinsic self-worth. It’s a clear rejection of the outdated notion that autism is inherently negative. Fundamentally, it’s about embracing one’s own neurodivergence as a truly valuable and integral part of one’s individual identity. Much like other historically marginalized groups have embraced pride in their identities, we autistic individuals are finding immense strength and a strong sense of community in openly celebrating our autism. This growing movement directly challenges persistent societal stigma and actively promotes a more positive and empowering self-image.

Numerous individuals have openly shared their personal stories of finding great relief and deeper understanding of their conditions upon receiving an autism diagnosis.⁹¹ They’ve learned to appreciate their unique and often insightful way of perceiving the world around them ⁸⁹ and have found invaluable connection and support within the broader autistic community.⁹⁰ Many express genuine pride in their intense capacity for focus, their inherent creativity, their commitment to honesty, and their distinctive ability to think in ways that often differ from neurotypical individuals.⁸⁹ Some have even beautifully described their autism as a protector, a comforting shield, or a vibrant rainbow, clearly highlighting the many positive aspects it brings to their lives.⁸⁹ 

These deeply personal narratives powerfully demonstrate the diverse and individual ways in which autistic individuals come to not only accept but genuinely celebrate their autism. They underscore the critical importance of self-discovery, the unwavering support of community, and the conscious reframing of perceived challenges as unique and valuable strengths. Hearing directly from autistic individuals about their experiences of pride and acceptance is absolutely crucial for effectively challenging negative stereotypes and offering much-needed hope and genuine encouragement to others who are also on the spectrum. These relatable stories provide concrete examples of how to cultivate joy and a strong sense of self-worth within one’s own autistic identity.

The Power of Neurodiversity

The concept of neurodiversity offers a powerful framework for understanding and accepting the wide range of human neurological variations. It recognizes and celebrates the inherent natural differences in human neurology and cognitive functioning, encompassing conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others.³ At its core, neurodiversity emphasizes that these neurological differences are simply natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits or disorders that require being cured or normalized.¹⁰⁶ This paradigm fundamentally shifts the focus away from attempting to “cure” or “fix” autistic individuals and towards fully accepting and providing support for them as they are. It recognizes the inherent value in different ways of thinking, perceiving, and experiencing the world. By framing autism as a natural variation rather than a disorder, neurodiversity actively promotes a more inclusive and genuinely respectful understanding of autistic individuals. This perspective strongly encourages society to accommodate diverse neurological profiles and to readily recognize the unique and significant contributions that neurodivergent people make.

Adopting a neurodiversity-affirming perspective involves several key elements. It includes a deep recognition of the inherent strengths that are associated with an autistic neurotype.¹⁰⁷ We must also emphasize the critical importance of actively listening to autistic voices and truly valuing our lived experiences.³ Furthermore, it necessitates a conscious and continuous effort to challenge and dismantle the pervasive ableism and stigma that we autistic individuals often face.¹⁰⁷ This perspective strongly emphasizes the need for creating truly inclusive environments and providing appropriate accommodations that effectively support the diverse needs of autistic individuals.³ Self-acceptance emerges as a crucial aspect of this perspective, actively encouraging autistic individuals to fully embrace their differences and to recognize their inherent worth and value.⁹⁹ 

Ultimately, a neurodiversity-affirming approach empowers autistic individuals to live authentically and to truly thrive, rather than feeling constant pressure for us to conform to often unrealistic and exclusionary neurotypical norms. It fosters a profound sense of belonging and genuinely validates our unique and individual experiences. By focusing on genuine acceptance, comprehensive support, and true inclusion, this perspective actively contributes to creating a more positive and equitable society for all autistic individuals. It acknowledges that autistic people have invaluable contributions to offer and that our differences should be celebrated and respected rather than pathologized or viewed as shortcomings.

The Upsides Are Real: Recognizing the Benefits of Being Autistic

Let’s acknowledge that autistic traits often come with significant and often overlooked benefits. One such benefit is an enhanced attention to detail, a valuable asset in fields like meticulous data analysis and stringent quality assurance.⁴⁶ The ability to maintain deep focus and intense concentration can lead to remarkable expertise and significant innovation in chosen areas of interest.⁴⁶ Strong pattern recognition skills, another common autistic trait, are exceptionally beneficial in disciplines such as mathematics, computer programming, and various analytical tasks.⁴⁷ Furthermore, the unique creative perspectives that many autistic individuals possess can lead to groundbreaking advancements and innovative solutions in fields like art, music, design, and technology.⁴⁶ 

Recognizing these “autism upsides” is absolutely crucial for fundamentally shifting the narrative surrounding autism. It moves the focus from a potentially limiting emphasis on deficits to a much more accurate and appreciative understanding of the valuable contributions and inherent talents that autistic individuals bring to the world. These strengths are not merely rare exceptions but rather common and powerful attributes that can be nurtured and effectively leveraged in various aspects of life.

These inherent strengths often translate into real-world advantages in a variety of professional and creative fields. Autistic individuals frequently excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, largely due to our strong logical thinking abilities, exceptional pattern recognition skills, and meticulous attention to detail.⁴⁶ Our visual thinking capabilities and innate creative talents also make them highly valuable in areas such as art, design, and the ever-evolving field of technology.⁴⁶ Furthermore, our often unwavering honesty and inherent reliability can be significant assets in a wide range of workplace environments.⁴⁶ These concrete examples clearly illustrate how these specific autistic traits can translate into tangible real-world advantages across various professional and creative pursuits. Recognizing and actively nurturing these inherent strengths can open up a wealth of opportunities and lead to fulfilling and successful careers for many autistic individuals.

A Message of Pride: Celebrating Who We Are

The journey for many of us has led to a place where we not only accept our autism but actively embrace it with pride. Uplifting messages consistently emphasize the profound importance of self-acceptance and a deep sense of pride in one’s autistic identity.⁹⁵ This pride often stems from recognizing and valuing one’s complete identity, which includes autism, and consciously rejecting feelings of shame or the limiting belief of being somehow “less than” others.⁹⁵ Ultimately, it is about being genuinely okay with who you are, embracing your authentic self, and not feeling the need to apologize for or hide your differences.⁹⁵ The strength and resilience of the autistic community are truly remarkable.¹⁰⁵ Autism is not a deficit, but rather a different and often brilliant way of perceiving and interacting with the world.¹⁰¹ Embracing self-compassion and practicing self-forgiveness for past struggles and perceived shortcomings are vital steps in this journey.⁹⁹ It’s about consciously choosing to be authentically autistic, allowing oneself to stim freely, and embracing other natural autistic behaviors without judgment.¹²²

Finding Balance and Thriving as An Autistic Individual

While celebrating the many upsides of autism is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge and proactively address the challenges that can arise. Developing effective strategies for managing sensory sensitivities is key. This can include creating personal sensory-friendly spaces and utilizing tools such as noise-canceling headphones when needed.³² Establishing consistent routines and incorporating visual supports can be immensely helpful in navigating executive functioning difficulties and mitigating anxiety often associated with unexpected changes.³⁶ 

Furthermore, learning and practicing self-calming techniques and developing personalized coping strategies can significantly aid in managing social interactions and potential feelings of overwhelm.¹³ Thriving as an autistic individual involves not only recognizing and leveraging one’s strengths but also actively developing effective strategies to navigate the inherent challenges. This balanced approach is fundamental to achieving greater overall well-being and increased independence.

Building a strong and supportive network is also essential. Connecting with the wider autistic community can provide an invaluable sense of belonging, mutual understanding, and shared experience.⁹⁰ Seeking professional support, such as therapy or autism-informed coaching, can offer guidance in developing crucial coping skills and building a strong sense of self-esteem.¹⁷ Prioritizing self-care activities that align with one’s individual sensory needs and personal interests is also absolutely crucial for maintaining overall well-being.¹¹² Cultivating a strong support system and actively engaging in consistent self-care are not optional extras but rather essential components for autistic individuals to not just cope, but to truly flourish. This includes actively connecting with others who genuinely understand their unique experiences and proactively accessing resources that are specifically tailored to meet their individual needs.

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on this Autism Awareness Day, let’s move beyond mere awareness and fully embrace acceptance and pride. While the autistic experience comes with its own set of challenges, the unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions of autistic individuals are invaluable. By understanding, celebrating, and supporting each other, we can collectively foster a world where every autistic person feels not just content, but truly proud of who we are.

~ Artemis Phoenix Desertsong

Works cited

1. timesofindia.indiatimes.com, accessed April 2, 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/autism-awareness-day-2025-date-theme-history-and-significance-of-the-day/articleshow/119908075.cms#:~:text=Autism%20Awareness%20Day%2C%20established%20by,with%20ASD%20and%20promote%20inclusivity.
2. World Autism Awareness Day – background – the United Nations, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day/background
3. World Autism Awareness Day – EN | United Nations, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
4. Autism Awareness Day 2025: Date, theme, history, and significance of the day, accessed April 2, 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/autism-awareness-day-2025-date-theme-history-and-significance-of-the-day/articleshow/119908075.cms
5. World Autism Awareness Day 2025: History, Date, Theme, And Causes – Business Standard, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.business-standard.com/lifestyle/world-autism-awareness-day-2025-history-date-theme-and-causes-nc-125040101007_1.html
6. Facts About Autism Awareness Month and Why It’s Important – Circle Care Services, accessed April 2, 2025, https://circlecareservices.com/autism-awareness-month-history-and-facts/
7. World Autism Awareness Day | 2024 – the United Nations, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day/2024
8. World Autism Awareness Day 2025 | Awareness Days Events Calendar 2025, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-autism-awareness-day-2025/
9. World Autism Awareness Day 2025: Strategies For Parents To Help Children With Autism Thrive – NDTV, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.ndtv.com/health/world-autism-awareness-day-2025-strategies-for-parents-to-help-children-with-autism-thrive-8067957
10. World Autism Awareness Day—“Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, 2 April 2025 – MDPI, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.mdpi.com/about/announcements/11188
11. (Part 1) Autism Awareness Day 2025- Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, accessed April 2, 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1s/k1smt2jhg5
12. Social difficulties in autism spectrum disorder | KU SOE, accessed April 2, 2025, https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/social-difficulties-in-autism-spectrum-disorder
13. Examples of Social Deficits in Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://behavioralinterventionforautism.com/blog/examples-of-social-deficits-in-autism/
14. Autism and ADHD: The Complete Playbook for Social Challenges, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.additudemag.com/autism-and-adhd/
15. How Autism Affects Daily Life | Above and Beyond Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.abtaba.com/blog/how-autism-affects-daily-life
16. Understanding Social Cues: A Quick Start Guide for Autism – Quality Behavior Solutions, accessed April 2, 2025, https://qbssocal.com/social-cues-autism/
17. How to Support Children with Autism in Overcoming Social Challenges, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.mastermindbehavior.com/post/how-to-support-children-with-autism-in-overcoming-social-challenges
18. Understanding and supporting the social interaction of autistic children and young people, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/resources/understanding-and-supporting-the-social-interaction-of-autistic-children-and-young-people/
19. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Communication Problems in Children – NIDCD, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children
20. Social Cues That May Be Missed With Autism + Examples – MySpot, accessed April 2, 2025, https://myspotcare.com/blog/social-cues-missed-with-autism/
21. Autism and Social Cues: Understanding the Challenges, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-and-social-cues/
22. Autism and adults | Better Health Channel, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-adults
23. Autism & Romantic Relationships: What to Expect | Exceptional Individuals, accessed April 2, 2025, https://exceptionalindividuals.com/about-us/blog/how-autism-affects-relationships-what-to-expect/
24. How Does Autism Affect Romantic Relationships – Golden Care Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://goldencaretherapy.com/blogs-how-does-autism-affect-romantic-relationships/
25. Autism Friendships: Navigating Boundaries and Relationships, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/true-friend-relationships/
26. Asperger’s and adult relationships: How it affects them – MedicalNewsToday, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/aspergers-and-adult-relationships
27. How Autism Affects Daily Life – IBH, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.ibhcare.com/tips-for-writing-great-posts-that-increase-your-site-traffic
28. Challenging Behaviors – Kennedy Krieger Institute, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/challenging-behaviors
29. Sensory issues – Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
30. Sensory sensitivities: autistic children and teenagers – Raising Children Network, accessed April 2, 2025, https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/sensory-sensitivities-asd
31. Understanding Your Child’s Autism-Related Sensory Sensitivity – THINK Neurology for Kids, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.thinkkids.com/post/understanding-your-childs-autism-related-sensory-sensitivity
32. Types of Sensory Issues in Autism: Examples and Treatment Options, accessed April 2, 2025, https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/types-of-sensory-issues-in-autism-examples-and-treatment-options/
33. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) – Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-processing-disorder
34. How to help your autistic child with day-to-day life – NHS, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/autism-and-everyday-life/help-for-day-to-day-life/
35. www.autismspeaks.org, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/executive-functioning#:~:text=Many%20people%20with%20autism%20have,fit%20into%20a%20bigger%20picture.
36. Autism and executive functioning skills – Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/health-and-lifestyle/autism-and-executive-functioning-skills/
37. Executive Functioning | Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/executive-functioning
38. The Connection Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Executive Function Difficulties – PAR, Inc., accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.parinc.com/learning-center/par-blog/detail/blog/2024/12/17/the-connection-between-asd-and-executive-function-deficits
39. Executive function: what is it, and how do we support it in those with autism? Part I, accessed April 2, 2025, https://autismawarenesscentre.com/executive-function-what-is-it-and-how-do-we-support-it-in-those-with-autism-part-i/
40. 7 Executive Functioning Challenges for People With Autism – Psychology Today, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-autism-spectrum-disorder/202108/7-executive-functioning-challenges-people-autism
41. Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder) – ASHA, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/autism/
42. Understanding and developing communication – National Autistic Society, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/understanding-and-developing-communication
43. Understanding communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder | KU SOE, accessed April 2, 2025, https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/communication-difficulties-in-autism-spectrum-disorder
44. Other conditions that affect autistic people – NHS, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/other-conditions/
45. Common Medical Conditions in Autistic Adults – Adult Autism Health Resources, accessed April 2, 2025, https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/common-medical-conditions-in-autistic-adults/
46. Celebrating Autistic Strengths – Cortica, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.corticacare.com/care-notes/autistic-strengths
47. The Superpowers of Autism: Embracing Strengths and Abilities, accessed April 2, 2025, https://uniquecs.co.uk/blog/the-superpowers-of-autism-embracing-strengths-and-abilities/
48. Autism: the positives, accessed April 2, 2025, https://ses.leeds.ac.uk/download/downloads/id/2026/positives_infographic.pdf
49. Autism: the positives – Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, accessed April 2, 2025, https://cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/media/168884/positives_of_autism-poster.pdf
50. Autism strengths & Challenges – Embrace Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://embrace-autism.com/autism-strengths-and-challenges/
51. Unraveling The Brilliance In Autism – Goldstar Rehabilitation, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.goldstarrehab.com/parent-resources/why-are-autistic-people-so-smart
52. The Positives of Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://autismawarenesscentre.com/the-positives-of-autism/
53. Thinking Styles | Scottish Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.scottishautism.org/about-autism/about-autism/thinking-styles
54. Attention to Detail in Adults with Autism: Benefits & Challenges, accessed April 2, 2025, https://behavioralinterventionforautism.com/blog/attention-to-detail-in-adults-with-autism-benefits-challenges/
55. Positive Traits of Autism Unveiled | Above and Beyond Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.abtaba.com/blog/positive-traits-of-autism
56. Are Autistic People Detail Oriented? – SkyCare ABA, accessed April 2, 2025, https://skycareaba.com/are-autistic-people-detail-oriented/
57. Exploring the Detail-Oriented Traits in Autism – Rainbow ABA Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://rainbowtherapy.org/blogs-exploring-the-detail-oriented-traits-in-autism/
58. 30 Strengths of Neurodiversity: Part 1 – I AM Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://i-am-autism.org.uk/30-strengths-of-neurodiversity-part-1/
59. Let’s Celebrate the Pros of Being Autistic – Autism BC, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autistic-adults/lets-celebrate-the-pros-of-being-autistic/
60. Strengths and Abilities In Autism: Benefits Of Autism – Cross River Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/autism/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism
61. The Positive Side of Autism – OrbRom Center, accessed April 2, 2025, https://orbrom.com/positive-side-autism/
62. Strengths and abilities in autism – Altogether Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism/
63. Celebrating the Special Qualities of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-adult-focused/celebrating-the-special-qualities-of-individuals-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/
64. Strengths and Abilities in Children with Autism – Behavioral Innovations, accessed April 2, 2025, https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/strengths-abilities-children-with-autism/
65. Mapping the Autistic Advantage from the Accounts of Adults Diagnosed with Autism: A Qualitative Study – PubMed Central, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6493410/
66. Strengths that Come with Autism and Why You Should Care | Otsimo, accessed April 2, 2025, https://otsimo.com/en/strengths-challenges-autism/
67. Pattern Recognition Autism: Strengths and Challenges, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/pattern-recognition-autism/
68. Revealing Strengths and Abilities in Autism – Mastermind Behavior Services, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.mastermindbehavior.com/post/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism
69. Autism and Logical Thinking: What to Know | Above and Beyond Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.abtaba.com/blog/autism-and-logical-thinking
70. Celebrating Neurodiversity: Powers and Strengths of Autism – Leaf Complex Care, accessed April 2, 2025, https://leafcare.co.uk/blog/powers-and-strengths-of-autism/
71. Harnessing Hidden Superpowers: How Autistic Traits Can Make Amazing Employees, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pplfirst.com/blogs/harnessing-hidden-superpowers-how-autistic-traits-can-make-amazing-employees/
72. 6 Hidden Strengths of Autism – ABA Centers of America, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.abacenters.com/strengths-of-autism/
73. Hidden Strengths of Autism: 5 Virtues to Be Celebrated – ABA Centers of Florida, accessed April 2, 2025, https://abacentersfl.com/blog/hidden-strengths-of-autism/
74. The Strengths and Abilities of Autistic People in the Workplace – PMC, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8992926/
75. Hyperfocus or flow? Attentional strengths in autism spectrum disorder – PubMed Central, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9579965/
76. Attention in Autism – Integrated Treatment Services, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/blog/attention-in-autism/
77. Autism Monotropism: Understanding Focus and Attention, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-monotropism/
78. Understanding Monotropism and Autism: A Unique Perspective | Sachs Center, accessed April 2, 2025, https://sachscenter.com/monotropism-and-autism/
79. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6493410/#:~:text=Hyper%20focus%2C%20attention%20to%20detail,times%20they%20hindered%20their%20progress.
80. Pattern Unifies Autism – Frontiers, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.621659/full
81. Understanding Pattern Thinking in Autism – Rainbow ABA Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://rainbowtherapy.org/understanding-pattern-thinking-in-autism/
82. Strengths And Abilities In Autism – Apex ABA Therapy, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.apexaba.com/blog/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism?6b55a564_page=14
83. Toward a more comprehensive autism assessment: the survey of autistic strengths, skills, and interests – PMC, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10587489/
84. Autism and Creativity | Psychology Today, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mom-am-i-disabled/201612/autism-and-creativity
85. Misconceptions surrounding creativity & imagination in autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://embrace-autism.com/misconceptions-surrounding-creativity-and-imagination-in-autism/
86. 10 Creative Ways to Foster Creativity and Imagination in Children with Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://dreambigchildren.com/blog/10-creative-ways-to-foster-creativity-and-imagination-in-children-with-autism/
87. Is it true that autistic people are less capable of abstract and original thinking and, thus, creativity? : r/autism – Reddit, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/126ukl4/is_it_true_that_autistic_people_are_less_capable/
88. Verbal and Figural Creativity in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Development – Frontiers, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.559238/full
89. Autistic Pride Day: Celebrating My Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/autistic-pride-day-celebrating-my-autism/
90. Taking pride on Autistic Pride Day: an invitation to celebrate joy with my autistic family | Exceptional Lives, accessed April 2, 2025, https://exceptionallives.org/blog/taking-pride-on-autistic-pride-day/
91. In my own words: What Disability Pride Month means to me | Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/my-own-words-what-disability-pride-month-means-me
92. Autistic Pride: Our stories matter – BookTrust, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2024/june/autistic-pride-our-stories-matter/
93. “I hate having autism” says a child I care a lot about. Any uplifting messages I can send him from one autistic to another? – Reddit, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AutisticPride/comments/11xnlrr/i_hate_having_autism_says_a_child_i_care_a_lot/
94. Autism Pride Day: Home – Research Guides – Tarrant County College, accessed April 2, 2025, https://libguides.tccd.edu/autisticprideday
95. Why are people so proud to have autism? : r/autism – Reddit, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/10c248b/why_are_people_so_proud_to_have_autism/
96. “I’m Proud to Be a Little Bit Different”: The Effects of Autistic Individuals’ Perceptions of Autism and Autism Social Identity on Their Collective Self-esteem, a Summary for Non-academics, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/im-proud-to-be-a-little-bit-different-the-effects-of-autistic-individuals-perceptions-of-autism-and-autism-social-identity-on-their-collective-self-esteem-a-summa/
97. Autistic & Proud – Autism Abilities, accessed April 2, 2025, https://autismabilities.com.au/our-blog/f/autistic-proud
98. Proud to be Autistic (Autism Explained by An Autistic Person) – YouTube, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLqmeOF3lpc
99. How will I feel after receiving an autism diagnosis – National Autistic Society, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis/how-will-i-feel-after-receiving-an-autism-diagnosi
100. In our own words: Diagnosis stories – Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/our-own-words-diagnosis-stories
101. Why I’m proud to be autistic – YoungMinds, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/why-i-m-proud-to-be-autistic/
102. The Pride of Being Who I Am – Specialisterne, accessed April 2, 2025, https://specialisternebrasil.com/en/the-pride-of-being-who-i-am/
103. This is my story of my life with autism – Autism Speaks, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/my-story-my-life-autism
104. I realised how low my self-esteem was from constantly feeling the need to mask my true self, in case others judged me negatively. – National Autistic Society, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/the-autistic-perspective/hannah-belcher-mental-health-blog
105. Why we are PROUD to be Autistic – AUsome Training, accessed April 2, 2025, https://ausometraining.com/why-we-are-proud-to-be-autistic/
106. Neurodiversity and the Benefits of Autism – Psychology Today, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/autism/neurodiversity-and-the-benefits-of-autism
107. Celebrating Neurodiversity: Understanding the Autism Spectrum – True North Psychology, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.truenorth-psychology.com/post/celebrating-neurodiversity-understanding-the-autism-spectrum
108. What Does Autism Awareness and Acceptance Look Like in Action?, accessed April 2, 2025, https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autism-awareness-acceptance/
109. The Importance of Self-Acceptance for Neurodivergent Adults – Dr. Marcia Eckerd, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.marciaeckerd.com/post/the-importance-of-self-acceptance-for-neurodivergent-adults
110. Embracing a Positive Neurodivergent Identity: Unlocking Personal Growth & Community Connection – Move for Better Health, accessed April 2, 2025, https://moveforbetterhealth.com.au/neurodivergent-identity/
111. Neurodiversity and ACT – Contextual Consulting, accessed April 2, 2025, https://contextualconsulting.co.uk/knowledge/neurodiversity/neurodiversity-and-act
112. Being Enough: Embracing Neurodivergent Self-Acceptance | by Danielle Dryden | Medium, accessed April 2, 2025, https://medium.com/@danielledryden2020/being-enough-embracing-neurodivergent-self-acceptance-d2ebb53a2ec4
113. What is autism – National Autistic Society, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
114. From Stigma to Acceptance: Insights from a Concerned Autistic Self-Advocate – Autism Spectrum News, accessed April 2, 2025, https://autismspectrumnews.org/from-stigma-to-acceptance-insights-from-a-concerned-autistic-self-advocate/
115. Autism Awareness Day | 6 Facts That’ll Change Your View – UserWay, accessed April 2, 2025, https://userway.org/blog/autism-awareness-day/
116. Autistic perspectives of Home, Life and Education (Part 1) | #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWuyHPc74W4
117. The 2023 World Autism Awareness Day Observance – the United Nations, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day/2023
118. Autism, Ableism and the Key to Self-acceptance, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/autism-ableism-and-the-key-to-self-acceptance/
119. Embracing Autism: Celebrating Unique Perspectives – Move Up ABA, accessed April 2, 2025, https://moveupaba.com/blog/embracing-autism/
120. Embrace Autism: Understanding, Acceptance, and Support – Connect n Care ABA, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.connectncareaba.com/blog/embrace-autism
121. Embracing Autism as a Difference, Not a Deficit – Association for Psychological Science, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/observer/embracing-autism-difference.html
122. Discovering Your Autistic Identity as an Adult: What Next? – Reframing Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/discovering-your-autistic-identity-as-an-adult-what-next/
123. Newly diagnosed with autism: things to help – NHS, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/newly-diagnosed/
124. The Autism Journey: Accepting vs. Resisting A Diagnosis – LEARN Behavioral, accessed April 2, 2025, https://learnbehavioral.com/blog/the-autism-journey-accepting-vs-resisting-the-diagnosis
125. I Am Newly Diagnosed – Reframing Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/service/i-am-newly-diagnosed/
126. Autistic Insights on Identity and Self-Acceptance – Reframing Autism, accessed April 2, 2025, https://reframingautism.org.au/autistic-insights-on-identity-and-self-acceptance/
127. Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults – PMC, accessed April 2, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5807490/
128. 3 Ways to Cultivate Self-Love When You’re Neurodivergent – Restful App, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.restfulapp.co/blog/3-ways-to-cultivate-self-love-when-youre-neurodivergent
129. Balancing Flexibility and Predictability in Autism Therapy Routines. – Adina ABA, accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.adinaaba.com/post/balancing-flexibility-and-predictability-in-autism-therapy-routines