April 2, 2019 is the twelfth annual World Autism Awareness Day.
Pledge blue this April for World Autism Month and join a global movement of acceptance and inclusivity of the unique talents and gifts of people with autism.
National Autism Awareness Month was first announced by the Autism Society in April 1970. Its purpose was to increase awareness and educate the community about autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have a number of effects on a person's social interactions and communication. It is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States (ASDF).
The first Autism Acceptance Month celebrations were organized by Paula Durbin Westby in 2011, as a response to traditional “Autism Awareness” campaigns which some of the Autistic community found harmful and insufficient. To learn more about the philosophy behind the "Nothing About Us, Without Us!" campaign, please visit the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.
Temple Grandin, a pioneer in research on livestock behavior, was diagnosed with autism at two and a half years old. Full bio
Daniel Edward Aykroyd, a Canadian-American actor, comedian, musician, businessman and filmmaker, was diagnosed with Tourette's and Asperger's Syndromes as a child. Full Bio
Scottish singer Susan Boyle, internationally recognized for performing "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical Les Misérables on Britain's Got Talent, was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a developmental disorder on the autism spectrum. Full bio
Satoshi Tajiri, who has Asperger's Syndrome, combined his childhood passions of bug collecting and video games to create Pokémon, a world phenomena video game and franchise. Full bio
Actress Daryl Hannah, who was diagnosed with Autism as a child, is best known for her roles in Splash, Blade Runner, Steel Magnolias, and Roxanne. Full bio
Clay Marzo is an American professional surfer with Asperger's syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism. Full bio
This engaging film follows three children in a public school autism program in Oakland, CA at home and at school, and profiles the valiant efforts of their parents and teachers to help them reach their maximum potential.
The Horse Boy follows one Texas couple and their autistic son as they trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in an attempt to find healing for him.
Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works—sharing her ability to “think in pictures,”" which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.
In this sequel documentary, the director interviews former and new cast members and family about attitudes and first-person perspectives/experiences in autism today. Normal People Scare Me Too was created with a film crew comprised of 75% autistic individuals.
A documentary about the extraordinary rise of the Jersey Hammerheads, a competitive swim team that recruits teens with autism spectrum disorder.
Spectrum takes you on a journey into the rich sensory experience of autism. The documentary features Dr. Temple Grandin, the most well-known autistic person in the world, who breaks down the link between autism and sensory experiences.
Former Nightline correspondent John Donvan and producer Caren Zucker spent 15 years reporting on autism.
This highly personal and emotional film is presented by Psychologist Prof Uta Frith, who has devoted 50 years to studying autism. The film shows the remarkable characters who have revolutionized our understanding of the human brain.
Josh Flannagan believes Asperger's syndrome helps him understand horses. Watch as he confronts his fears daily to defy expectations in this episode of Against the Odds.
This film is a genuine and straightforward look into the autism spectrum disorder as told by the families and individuals living with autism daily. Includes interviews with Ruth Sullivan, Ph.D., the mother of Joe who inspired Dustin Hoffman's autistic character in the movie Rain Man and Alexis, the first autistic person to run for Miss America.
Designed for children with autism and their families, Duncan's Minecraft server AutCraft creates a safe online environment for play and self-expression for kids who sometimes behave a bit differently than their peers.