One of the most common questions we get asked is, "What's the difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance?" This is a great question, and it's something that we are passionate about. ACES is dedicated to helping people with autism and other developmental disabilities fulfill their full potential through autism therapy like ABA therapy and other teachings or therapeutic methodologies.

In this blog post, we will be discussing four differences between autism awareness and autism acceptance. Keep reading and learn more by contacting us today or by finding an ACES location near you!

Understanding Versus Valuing Autism

One of the biggest differences between autism awareness and autism acceptance is that autism awareness is focused on understanding autism, while autism acceptance is focused on valuing it. Autism awareness typically means educating others about what autism is and how it affects people. Autism acceptance, on the other hand, means accepting autism as a part of who someone is and welcoming autistic people into the community.

What Autism Looks Like Versus What Autism Can Do

Autism awareness typically focuses on identifying common characteristics of autism and trying to find ways to "fix" them. Autism acceptance, however, focuses on the strengths and abilities of autistic people. This difference is important because it can help shift the conversation from "autism is a deficit that needs to be fixed" to "autism is a part of who someone is and they have valuable contributions to make."

Charity Versus Justice

Another difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance is that autism awareness often leads to charity-based initiatives, while autism acceptance leads to justice-based initiatives. Charity focuses on giving things away to people in need, while justice focuses on making sure that everyone has what they need. This difference is important because it can help shift the focus from "autism is a problem that needs to be solved" to "autistic people are valuable members of society who deserve equal rights and access."

Respect and About ACES

Our final difference is that autism acceptance leads to respect. Respect acknowledges the autonomy that they can do things themselves and the inherent value of autistic people. This is an important thing we need to focus on when it comes to this difference as respect can make a difference to people with autism.

At ACES, we believe in helping the autism community and helping people with autism or other special needs through comprehensive autism therapy and intervention services like ABA therapy. We have worked to help the autism community for over 25 years and have locations across eight different states. Contact us today to learn more about the differences between autism awareness and autism acceptance.

We hope you found this blog post helpful! ACES is committed to offering autism therapy and more therapeutic methodologies and teaching to help people with autism or other disorders on the spectrum to fulfill their full potential. Our services include ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Learn more by contacting us today or find an ACES location near you!

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Our goal is simple: help people with autism and other developmental disabilities fulfill their full potential. We understand that this journey can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, especially at the beginning, and especially if you're a parent. But that's why we're here to help, because nobody should have to do it alone. Ready to get started? Sign-up Today!