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April: Autism Acceptance Month

Activities to Share and Appreciate Differences!

April: AutismAcceptance MonthActivities to Share and Appreciate Differences!
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Making the Shift from Awareness to Acceptance

Did you know that there are national autism organizations and leading legislation efforts by lawmakers to shift the commonly used phrase "Autism Awareness Month" to "Autism Acceptance Month?" The rationale is to encourage celebrating differences as well as increasing inclusivity in which individuals with autism are connected and accepted. Words matter, and the shift promotes not only the importance of educating others about autism, but also fostering acceptance and improving supports and opportunities for individuals with autism.

Celebrate and Spread Awareness and Inclusivity!


  • Check out the START Quilt! Sign up with START to get one of the P2P quilts on loan to display in your school building.
  • Read a book with your class that focuses on differences and acceptance i.e. Rules
  • Facilitate a door decorating contest! Have a friendly competition for the best decorated door for Autism Acceptance Month.
  • Celebrate differences! Have students color and write on a heart with the phrase "I am unique because..." and make a school wide display. Celebrate diversity!

  • Partner with Unified Champion Schools to get posters and bracelets.

  • Student Project- create a video about inclusion and acceptance.

Elementay Level: Ideas for Centers


  • Create your own fidget
  • Explore AAC options and introduce core boards or communication devices
  • Explore various forms of visuals schedules and social stories
  • Scavenger hunt using only visual supports
  • Explore other supports (headphones, wiggle seat, sensory tools…)
  • Line Game- find out how you are similar to others
  • Story time with book about ASD

Any Level: Spirit Week Ideas

  • Monday- Hats off to Autism: Wear your Favorite Hat!

  • Tuesday- It’s Ok to be different: Dress in your Craziest Outfit!

  • Wednesday- We’re All on the Same Team: Wear your Favorite School Spirit Wear!

  • Thursday- Get Comfortable with Autism: Wear your Pajamas to School!

  • Friday- Autism Acceptance- Wear your Favorite Shirt that Celebrates Acceptance and Diversity!

Secondary Level: Trivia

  • Print Trivia questions and hang them in the hall

  • Do a daily trivia question on the announcements

  • Send out a google form to students with trivia questions

Collection of Ideas from the START P2P CoP
The button above is linked to a collection of ideas shared during breakout sessions at the March P2P CoP meeting.
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Digital Resources for Autism Acceptance Month

Click on the picture to access a collection of digital resources from the Autism Society that support autism acceptance and inclusivity.
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OAR's Kit for Kids

Clickon the picture to access the Kit for Kids. You can use this program to increase awareness of autism among students from grades K-8. With greater knowledge of autism, our youth will learn to see the person first rather than focus on a classmate’s disability.