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Twelve-year-old Sarah was diagnosed with autism three years ago. Following her diagnosis, Sarah came to understand why she felt different from her peers, discovered her strengths in art and problem solving, and found comfort in knowing that we are all different. “Autism does not mean there is something ‘wrong’ with you,” she says. “It just means you have a different way of interacting with the world around you.”

April is World Autism Month, the perfect time to celebrate such differences. The month presents an annual opportunity to have a dedicated conversation about autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. It was officially recognized in 2012 in Canada, when Parliament passed the World Autism Awareness Day Act.

Autism touches more than 70 million people globally. Approximately 1 in 66 children and youth is diagnosed with ASD in Canada. ASD refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication as well as by unique strengths and differences.

There is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups and is a lifelong condition.

Autism Speaks Canada, a national charity dedicated to promoting solutions for autistic people and their families, demonstrates its continued commitment to diversity and inclusion by featuring authentic stories of real autistic Canadians from coast to coast to coast during World Autism Month.

Stories like Sarah’s are showcased to shine a light on dreams, struggles and strengths of real autistics to inspire others on the spectrum and let the general public know what life is really like for people with autism. “We believe in empowering every autistic member of our community,” says Sarah Ahmed, director of marketing and communications for Autism Speaks Canada. “This can only be achieved when people truly understand autism and accept people with autism for their unique strengths, challenges, dreams and goals. At Autism Speaks Canada, we’re committed to building a kinder, more inclusive world for all people on the autism spectrum in everything we do.”

To this end, Autism Speaks Canada has also launched its Light It Up with Kindness campaign in conjunction with World Autism Month. It combines the long-running Light it Up Blue campaign where global landmarks illuminate blue to raise awareness and understanding for people with autism and adds a call to action of kindness to encourage people to be more compassionate and accepting of differences.

“A big struggle I have faced is being misjudged by people who do not understand autism,” adds Sarah. “It is hard when people expect me to behave a certain way when it is just not who I am.” By sharing her experience, this young artist helps more people understand autism and, in turn, helps make the world more inclusive for autistic Canadians.

Similarly, Charlotte, a mother of two young children with autism, shares her family’s story through Autism Speaks Canada. “It’s a wonderful way to share our journey and connect with other families like ours,” she says. “We can all learn from each other and support each other, regardless of where we are at in our own journeys. I’d love to see a lot more acceptance and understanding of people who are deemed ‘different.’”

Charlotte also points out the need for more support, especially during COVID-19 lockdowns. “Indeed, the pandemic has brought its challenges. We lost access to our therapy services, our support system. Truthfully, I’d love to see real changes made in terms of government support for special needs families. There are simply not enough resources for us.”

World Autism Month is an annual opportunity for all of us to come together and be the voice for inclusion for people like Sarah and Charlotte. Light it up with kindness by creating a more inclusive Canada for people with autism.

To learn more or to make a donation, visit autismspeaks.ca.

Autism Speaks Canada’s Special Match Offer

In celebration of World Autism Month, a kind and compassionate supporter is generously matching all donations made to Autism Speaks Canada, in the month of April, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. No amount is too small. Contribute today and make twice the impact.

To make a donation visit autismspeaks.ca/Donate

Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with Autism Speaks Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.