28 DIVERSEability Magazine www.diverseabilitymagazine.com
FEATURE
Bridging the Gap: Autism Acceptance Month
A
pril has widely been known as Autism Aware- ness Month in the United States as a way to empower autistic individuals and their families. But now, the autism community is calling on all media outlets to shift their language to match the growing need for acceptance within the community. The Autism Society of America, along with leading disability organiza- tions across the country, is announcing that it is formally shifting references of Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month and is calling on the media to reflect this in their ongoing coverage. The shift in the use of terminology aims to foster acceptance to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in educa- tion, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and comprehensive long-term services. While we will always work to spread awareness, words matter as we strive for autistic individuals to live fully in all areas of life, says Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. As many individuals and fam- ilies affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system. In honor of Autism Accep- tance Month, we are taking a look at some of the most influential public figures with autism and how they fostered change and acceptance.
Dan Aykroyd
Best known for his work on hit films such as Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers , Dan Aykroyd is a comedic actor and per- former with Aspergers Syndrome. In fact, Aykroyd credited his Aspergers as one of the main motives to create Ghostbusters , as his love for the paranormal was one of his restricted interests. Along with the hit franchise, Aykroyd is also responsible for co-founding the House of Blues chains, serving as a former reserve command- er, fundraising money and resources for important causes and becoming involved in archeological digs and presentation through the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.
NOAM GALAI/GETTY IMAGES
Kayla Cromer
A lead actress in the television show, Ev- erything is Gonna Be Okay , Kayla Cromer became the first autistic actor to play an autistic main character in television history. Cromer has since used her platform to share her personal experiences with autism both through her character, Matilda, and through her social media. Along with being an ac- tress, Cromer is an activist for the communi- ty, with specific passions for representation in media and in ending the stigmas surrounding individuals with autism. Autism doesnt define me, Cromer told PEOPLE in 2021, I hope to open more doors for people in the disability community. And Im so excited for the future.
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