On Wednesdays we wear pink, and in April, we celebrate World Autism Month.
World Autism Month is a global celebration of the autistic community and the beautiful weirdness, laughter, sensitivity, and love they bring into our lives. As a design and branding company committed to accessibility, we celebrate this month by sharing with our readers a treasure trove of 70+ resources to support and cherish the autistic community and all its friends.
These resources include infographics aimed at deepening the understanding and acceptance of autism. They also include organization, productivity, and sensory aid apps. We have also highlighted individuals and organizations doing god’s work in amplifying autistic voices, championing the cause, and pushing the boat to make the world a much more humanistic and inclusive space.
Let’s start.
Infographics to Understand Autism Better
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodivergent condition that affects a person’s behavior, interactions, communications, and even their ability to identify and regulate their emotions. While ‘people with autism can’t feel empathy’ has proven to be an absolute myth, challenges remain that make life difficult for autistic people.
One of these challenges is the lack of education and acceptance associated with neurodiversity, in this case, autism.
We usually fear what we don’t understand. While that’s not an excuse for anything, it can be a place to start the work. And that’s what we want to do with the help of the infographics below. Go through them to understand what is autism, how it manifests, and how it can be an extremely fluid disorder in its symptoms and challenges.
1. Autism 101
2. Early Signs of Autism
3. Possible causes of autism
4. Early detection and diagnoses of autism
5. Official diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder
6. ABCs of Autism
7. Overlap of autism and ADHD
8. Autism awareness vs. acceptance
9. Autism is fluid
10. Helping autistic children with play
11. Solving misbehavior in children with autism
12. Addressing the wandering of children with autism
13. 10 Myths about Autism
14. 5 Tips to design better for people with autism
Image Source: DesignMantic
15. Helping autistic women thrive in the workplace
Apps for Neurodivergent People
Daily activities can be a challenge for people with ASD. They can struggle with organization, prioritizing tasks, and getting things done on time. They can also be prone to distractions and misplacing things.
As an autistic student or professional, this can lead to trouble in school or at work.
To stay in control of your organization and productivity, these apps can be a great tool to work with. Some of these apps address organization and productivity challenges, while others aim to assist in times of crisis or emergencies. Apps like Moodpanda and Relax Melodies can offer help when you feel a sensory overload is coming in.
All these apps are available on Android and iOS systems.
1. Time Timer
Visual timer that helps neurodivergent individuals manage time more effectively.
2. Habitica
Gamified productivity app designed to help users build positive habits and accomplish tasks.
3. Tiimo
Visual scheduling and task management app specifically tailored for neurodiverse individuals.
4. MyHomework
Digital planner and organizer to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines.
5. GoNoodle
Fun and interactive app featuring movement and mindfulness activities to support focus and relaxation.
6. Relax Melodies
Customizable app offering soothing sounds and music to aid in relaxation and sleep.
7. Headspace
Meditation and mindfulness app providing guided sessions to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
8. focus@will
Music streaming service scientifically designed to enhance focus and productivity.
9. EmergencyChat
Communication app designed for individuals who may have difficulty speaking in emergency situations.
10. Route4U
Accessibility app that crowdsources information on wheelchair-accessible routes and places.
11. MindMeister
Collaborative mind mapping tool to visually organize thoughts, ideas, and projects.
12. Proloquo2Go
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app for individuals with communication challenges.
13. Speech Blubs
Speech therapy app using interactive games and activities to improve speech and language skills.
14. Otsimo
Educational app offering personalized learning experiences for children with special needs.
15. Starfall
Interactive learning platform featuring educational games and activities for early learners, including those with neurodiversity.
20 Autism Advocates and Influencers on Instagram
Nothing helps us feel more understood and accepted than bonding with other people who share our struggles. With a huge majority of autistic adults unemployed or struggling with other forms of social acceptance, raising our voices for autism awareness and acceptance has not been more urgent.
In the list below, you will find 20 powerful voices doing just that. These include education specialists, rights advocates, nutrition specialists, behavioral experts, and those with lived experiences of autism.
Read their stories, find inspiration, identify opportunities, and expand your tribe.
1. Leann Libas — Disability Rights Advocate
2. John Robison — Neurodiversity Scholar
3. Chris Bonello — Author & Autistic Advocate
4. Paige Layle — AuDHD Video Creator
5. Lauren Melissa Ellzey — Autistic self-advocate & YA fiction author
6. Autism Sketches
7. The Autistic Life — An Instagram Blog
8. Lyric Rivera — Autistic Educator, Artist, & Author
9. Broady and Matt — AuDHD Couple
10. Taylor Linloff — Autism Advocate and Speaker
11. Undercover Autie — An Instagram Blog
12. Joy F. Johnson — Advocate, Behavioral Analyst, & More
13. Neurodivergent Lou — An Instagram Blog
14. Emily @21andsensory — Illustrator & Graphic Designer
15. Autistic & Unapologetic — Writer
16. Jeremiah Josey — An Autistic, 24-Year-Old Pastry Chef, & More
17. Autism Happy Place — Artist & Studio
18. Lisa Wright — IEP Special Education Coach
19. Brittyn Coleman — Autism Nutrition & Picky Eating Expert
20. Krys — Personal Blog of a Neurodiverse Family
Organizations & Support Groups
As critical as it is to have individual connections within the autism community, it’s even more important to strive for collective action. Organizations and nonprofits that study and fund research to investigate autism, to find better solutions, and to uncover truths we didn’t know before are extremely important.
You can support these organizations through your time, money, and stories. Your experiences and expertise can help families deal with new diagnoses in a better way and a supportive environment. You can also do your bit to help pass legislation and social infrastructures that support inclusion and equality.
In times of need, these nonprofits can emerge as the lifeline you can rely on. Take a look below to learn the great work these organizations are doing.
1. Healis Austim Centre, Singapore
2. Neurodivergent Insights
3. NeuroClastic
4. Autism Speaks
5. Michelle Swan
6. The Little Black Duck
7. Aut Gems
8. HIA Autism Centre
9. Association for Science in Autism Treatment
10. Autistic Self Advocacy Network
11. National Autism Association
12. Autism National Committee
13. Autism HWY
14. Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
15. Autism Navigator
16. Autism Research Institute
17. Autism Society
18. Disability Scoop
19. My Autism Team
20. Organization for Autism Research
21. The National Professional Development Center
22. National Association of Special Education Teachers
23. Wrights Law
24. Sesame Workshop
25. The Arc
26. Autism 360
27. The Color of Autism Foundation
28. Brain Foundation
29. Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
30. Flutie Foundation
Conclusion
People with autism and other neurodivergent conditions live with challenges that need to be studied and understood further. The resources we have shared in this article help support this cause.
As an accessibility-minded business, we strive to create inclusive conversations and spaces. Because we believe the alternative is lazy and boring.
So, join us in celebrating the International Month of Autism Awareness and Acceptance, and share the stuff you like in this article with those you love. Happy Autism World to all!
