04/02/2026
Today is World Autism Awareness Day!
This special day is a day designed to increase not only the awareness of autism but promote understanding and celebrate those on the spectrum.
For me, it is a day of reflection on this world that I am a part of on a daily basis and one that I forget others are new to, or don't even know about.
I have always felt it's my duty and privilege to act as interpreter between the neurotypical and neurodivergent worlds; to exist as advocate for individuals trying to learn, navigate, and live in a world that wasn't built for them. I take this very seriously and recognize that I can only speak to what I have observed in my 20 years of service to those on the spectrum, though I hope it can bring not only awareness, but acceptance and celebration to the autism community.
The saying goes that if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism. This is because autism is a spectrum disorder, and it looks as individualized as the wonderful humans that are diagnosed with it. Autism is a lifelong diagnosis. One that will stay with an individual throughout their lifetime and will manifest differently throughout the lifetime, as well. Hallmarks of autism are alternative needs associated with communication, socialization, and regulation. And I say alternative needs, not delays, for a reason. Because that's what autism is... a need for this world that we all live in to be accessed and processed differently.
Communication may look different. It may be sign language. It may be through an electronic device. It may be too loud or too soft or too fast or too slow. It may be that the individual is able to clearly articulate their thoughts and interests but struggles to understand verbal communication. It may not include eye contact.
Socialization may look different. It may be a hyper-fixated interest. It may be wanting to play alone or not knowing how to play with friends. It might be not picking up on social cues. It may be considered to be "overly friendly" or "unfriendly." It may take a while to form relationships.
Regulation may look different. It may be flapping, jumping, and/or stomping. It may be headphones, weighted blankets, and/or specialized clothing. It may be making loud noises, repetitive sounds or words, or scripting from a movie or TV show. It may be watching the same show over and over. It may be pacing or running when excited or overwhelmed.
All of these behaviors, and more, can be associated with individuals with autism. And all of these behaviors are a result of an individual trying to process and exist in a world that their brain is struggling to process.
But individuals with autism are more than just their behaviors and their diagnosis. They are first children, grandchildren, teenagers, adults, friends, sisters, brothers, artists, creators, musicians, leaders, and members. They are the goofy kid who shares his world with you through smiles and jumping together. They are the teenager who is able to focus his energy on analyzing and creating videos to show us a glimpse of how he sees the world. They are the adult who learned to communicate through singing and is great at karaoke as a result. They are the individuals worth celebrating because of the amazing ways they find to live and connect in this world.
Today is a day to become aware of those whose brains process the world differently. Today is a day to celebrate those who bring color and life and noise and love to the world in their unique ways. Today is a day to accept that those with autism may act in a way that isn't "typical," but is functional for them.
Today, this month, every day I celebrate, accept, and love those with autism and their families and I count myself lucky to be a part of this community.
-Nicky K, BCBA
