Most awareness campaigns have little to do with supports to benefit autistic adults, and it's become increasingly difficult for many self advocates to breathe through April's superficial autism frills. Is there anything to look forward to in the month of April? 

Within the autism community, April has always been known for it's one buzz word, "awareness." Not anymore. Now you will see a new kind of confirmation which helps many in our community not feel the dread of the empty campaigns that hold little value toward helping autistics and their families. What is it? One word. ACCEPTANCE. On April 2nd, and continuing throughout the month of April, autistic advocates and their allies will be spending their time making a new kind of difference by communicating about acceptance, not tolerance and pro-neurodiversity. 

April 2, 2012 will be the second annual Autism Acceptance Day Month, and what a month it will be indeed! There is still time to get in on the Blogaround if you want to link your submission for entry. Are you on youtube or tumblr? Make sure you check out the information on the blogaround, because everything you need to know about participating via those sites can be found in that post as well. 

For those of you who can join us LIVE, the Autism Women's Network will be hosting the creator of Autism Acceptance Day Month, Paula C. Durbin Westby on our AWN Blog Talk Radio Show Friday March 30, 2012. The broadcast begins 9:00AM PST, 10:00AM MST, 11:00 CST, 12:00PM EST. All of our shows are taped and can be accessed at your convenience by going to our BTR page at AWN Radio. The spectacular Dana Commandatore of Rethinking Autism is back again co-hosting the show with autistic advocate, the fantastic Tammy Klein. Tammy was featured in Dana's last PSA from Rethinking Autism, which can be viewed here: Autism Support Group. 

Autism Women's Network is looking forward to participating in the second annual Autism Acceptance Day Month. For more networking opportunities, if you're on facbook, you can access the AAD/Month Event Page and like their Fan Page for daily updates. Have a great April everyone, and make it count for more than just a token buzz word. Help to make a difference in how ACCEPTANCE is understood in your life and for the lives of those you love.