April: Autism Awareness Month

Since 1972, during Autism Awareness Month we highlight “the need for public awareness to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us” (National Today). Approximately 1 in 35 children in the US have Autism and an increasing number of adults are receiving diagnoses. While officially called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), individuals with Autism might choose to describe themselves as Autistic, neurodiverse, Autists, “aspies”, or even “neuro-spicy”. Join us in learning how we can create a more supportive and welcoming work environment and community for our neurodiverse teammates and residents.

Equitable Well Being Recommended Activities

Join us alongside Jennifer Jamsky, our Library Accessibility Services Coordinator, at the Durham County Library's Main location to learn about all of the services and resources that are here to support Autistic individuals and disabled individuals in our community.

The Office of Equitable Well-Being, alongside our HR Department, now host five Employee Resource Groups, including our disability focused group called Thrive As You Are. It is their mission to provide, "a supportive community for teammates living with disabilities, their loved ones, and community members, empowering them to seek the resources they need while raising awareness of diverse experiences". Thrive As You Are hosts regular Member meetings every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9-9:45am. These will be primarily held virtually. Complete a Membership Form and follow the Team Channel to learn more and participate.

Connect

Apex Occupational Therapy has begun offering a free parent support group for parents of neurodivergent kids, once a month at Main Library. Registration and more information can be found here.

Lastly, whether you want to learn more about Autism, investigate the diagnostic process, find tools and community, or make your workplace more neurodivergent friendly, check out these organizations.

Learn

To grow your understanding, check out the prevalence of Autism at the National Autism Data Center, and read Neurotribes by Steve Silberman and Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement by Steven Kapp. Challenge your assumptions about Autism and read the blog and books of Tania Marshall about autism specifically in girls and women, and check out these resources at University of Cambridge, the National Autistic Society, and Spectrum News to learn more about Autism and gender-fluidity. Like all communities, the Autistic community is diverse!

Jennifer Jamsky, our Durham County Library Accessibility Coordinator, has built several book and movie lists to check out!

Do

There are myriad ways for you to support the Autistic community, starting by listening and believing their stories. Check out Morgan Harper Nichols Black, Autistic, female artist and creative. Watch the Netflix Special Hannah Gadsby: Douglas, or listen to her on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast #82: Hannah Gadsby: How to Communicate Better to learn about her experience as a queer female with Autism. Check out Julia, the first Autistic puppet on Sesame Street. Listen to podcasts specifically created by Autists on a variety of topics. Check out Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity Stories, or look in our April edition of the DCo Life Magazine to hear neurodiverse stories.

Consider grabbing your next cup at 321 Coffee or Coffee Shop – B3 Coffee, purchasing flowers or food at Blawesome and Part & Parcel, or expand your culinary skills through Food Vibez Way, all of which support Autistic individuals.

Fellow Autists can check out the Autism Support and Advocacy Center, special programs through Durham Parks & Rec, summer camps, play groups and training at All Neurotypes, and filter Durham County Library events by sensory stimulation level and those with sensory-friendly options. The Main Library even has a special Multi Sensory Environment on the 4th floor.

Discuss

Here are some questions to start conversations with others about Autism Awareness Month. For leaders, try building in time in supervisions or team meetings to prompt staff conversations about Autism Awareness Month. Options could include:

Did you learn anything new about Autism this month?
Have you made any new personal or professional connections this month that can help you support neurodivergent individuals?
Did you learn anything new about Autism or the experience of Autistic people this month?
How did you participate in Autism Awareness Month?
How can things you learned or did for Autism Awareness Month impact how you do your job?