Why Autism Awareness is Not Enough

There are numerous organizations globally that exist to raise awareness of autism and the experiences of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For those unfamiliar, “raising awareness” of autism typically includes informing the general public about challenges that autistic people might face or sharing signs that a person may have autism. An article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review explains the reasoning behind awareness campaigns in the following way, “public relations texts frequently cite awareness, attitude, and action objectives. Marketing students learn that awareness precedes action.” Awareness campaigns tend to work well in terms of educating people and encouraging the spread of information on an issue, but that is typically where their function ends.

Despite numerous global organizations that exist to spread autism awareness, there is still a stigma surrounding autism and a lack of resources authentically accessible to those with autism. It is due to this lack of resources for people with autism that awareness is not enough.  Raising awareness is only the first step toward a more accepting, accessible world for people with autism. More awareness campaigns must encourage action, providing tangible ways for people to get involved in work that benefits people with autism. Some examples of action could be organizing community-funded programs for autistic teens and adults or advocating for government policies and workplace training for supporting people with autism in the workplace. Developing sustainable products and democratizing access to respectful, digital solutions.

Autism awareness can be a mobilization tool for action that makes a substantial change in the lives of autistic people.

However, awareness is nothing if it is not accompanied by action, and this expands beyond autism. Autism awareness can be a catalyst for change, but it does not do enough for people with autism, who are frequently overlooked by their communities and are often without the resources they need and deserve. Tangible action and change are necessary to support people with autism.

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Sources:

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/stop_raising_awareness_already