Autism Acceptance Month

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 1 in 35 children born in New Jersey are on the Autism spectrum in a 2021 Rutgers University Study, and

WHEREAS, there remain not only misconceptions regarding individuals but also gender bias causing underdiagnosis of girls and women; and

WHEREAS, dating back to 1972, when the Autism Society hosted one of the first nationwide awareness campaigns, then called “National Autistic Children’s Week,” their advocacy has now evolved to “Autism Awareness Month,” and in 2007, the United Nations designated April 2^nd as World Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, from the depiction of autism in the media to the verbiage of saying “Autistic Person” versus “Person With Autism,” the way we see, reference, and engage with Autistic people is constantly evolving, and;

WHEREAS, in recent years, it has even been advocated that “Awareness” is not enough. I am aware how I am different from the other committee members, those in the audience, and folks at home, but awareness isn’t inclusive. Hence, in 2021, the Autism Society modified the wording to “Autism Acceptance Month,” for there is a clear line between being aware of who is in your community and accepting them; and

WHEREAS, in the (MUNICIPALITY), we are not blind to differences, we don’t ignore intolerance, and we embrace not only people who look different from us but have very different personal and cultural histories and, despite living in the same world, experience it in a very different manner; and

WHEREAS, as (Municipality Name For Citizens), our goal should be to always go beyond tolerance, advocate for acceptance, and hold grace for others as we would want for ourselves.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT I, (GOVERNING BODY), do hereby proclaim April 2023 as Autism Acceptance Month in the (MUNICIPALITY) and implore our businesses, our citizens, and those beyond our borders to recognize and act on the effect you can have on a person’s life, and whenever possible, choose kindness, give grace, and seek understanding.