Autistic Pride Day [18 June]

Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on 18 June annually as a day to challenge the stigma associated with autism. One of the main aims of this day is to instill a sense of pride and confidence among autistic people. The origin of Autistic Pride Day can be traced to 2005 when the Aspies for Freedom (AFF) officially established this day.

The idea for this day was inspired by the annual LGBTQIA+ parades held around the world to give visibility to the marginalized. Find out more about Autistic Pride Day, its history, and its significance here.

Autistic Pride Day 2023

Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration of the unique identity of autistic individuals. Established by the Aspies for Freedom, this day aims to empower all people with autism while challenging social stereotypes about autism. Every year on 18 June, World Autistic Pride Day is celebrated by people with autism and their allies.

Autistic Pride Day: What is Autism?

Autism is a disorder that causes individuals to develop certain socio-behavioral patterns. Autism is not one condition but a spectrum and causes unique symptoms in different individuals.

• World Autistic Pride Day raises awareness about this disorder and the many conditions it may lead to.
• Historically, a lot of stigma has been associated with autistic individuals.
• So, it is important to observe and participate in Autistic Pride Day for autistic and allistic people.

Symptoms of Autism

On Autism Pride Day, it is important to identify and understand some of the most common symptoms of autism, which are listed as follows.

• Delayed cognitive skills
• Delayed language development
• Hyperactive behavior
• Unusual emotional reactions
• Inattentive and impulsive behavior

About Autistic Pride Day

• The idea for this day was borrowed from the LGBTQIA+ annual parades.
• Inspired by the same parade, an annual Autism Pride parade is also hosted once a year.
• Autistic Pride Day also aims to empower autistic individuals by giving them more visibility and openly celebrating their unique identities.

Autistic Pride Day History

The history of Autistic Pride Day can be traced to 2005 when Aspies for Freedom inaugurated this day. By celebrating this day, the autistic community challenges rigid stereotypes associated with autistic people. Check out the details about the history and origin of World Autistic Pride Day here.

• In 2005, a group of autistic individuals established this day.
• The date of birth of the youngest member of the group was selected as the date for Autistic Pride Day.
• Numerous events are conducted on this day to raise awareness about autism and autistic individuals.
• By 2018, Autistic Pride Day spread to various parts of the world.

Autistic Pride Day Significance

For people with autism, World Autistic Pride Day can be a great occasion to overcome their inhibitions. Autistic individuals may feel like they don’t fit in with others because of their condition. They deserve to be respected and treated equally regardless. Autistic Pride Day is significant because of the following reasons

• It gives the autistic community a chance to celebrate their unique condition.
• It gives people with autism an opportunity to interact with people like themselves.
• Autistic Pride Day sends a message that people with autism are not misfits, but unique and often highly capable individuals.
• World Autistic Pride Day is important because it gives helps autistic people see how supported and loved they are.

Who Should Celebrate Autistic Pride Day?

Every individual diagnosed with autism should celebrate Autistic Pride Day. Aspies for Freedom (AFF), the group that was established this day, wanted to encourage every autistic individual to embrace themselves. By dedicating a special day to autistic individuals, World Autistic Pride Day puts the focus on people with autism and their condition.

If you are wondering whether or not an individual with autism can celebrate Autistic Pride Day, read the information shared below.

• All autistic individuals who struggle to cope with the stereotypes set on them by society must celebrate Autistic Pride Day. This will help them get rid of their inhibition or any shame they may have because of being unfairly stereotyped.
• Autistic individuals who want to feel empowered should celebrate this day. Joining the annual World Autistic Pride Day parade can be a great way to participate in the celebration.
• Allies who want to support their autistic friends in their journey to self-empowerment should celebrate Autistic Pride Day.

How to Celebrate Autistic Pride Day?

People celebrate Autistic Pride Day in many different ways. The main aim of the celebrations is to help make autistic individuals feel empowered. Here are some of the ways to celebrate World Autistic Pride Day.

• Join the annual Autistic Pride Day parade as an autistic individual or an ally.
• Uplift and support individuals with autism.
• Educate yourself and others about autism and its diverse nature.
• Celebrate Autistic Pride Day by joining its social media campaign.
• Challenge the stereotypes set on autistic individuals and unlearn wrong information about this condition.

FAQs on Autistic Pride Day

Q1. When is Autistic Pride Day celebrated?

Autistic Pride Day is celebrated annually on 18 June in the US and other parts of the world. World Autistic Pride Day is observed to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and challenge the stereotypes associated with it.

Q2. Why do we celebrate Autistic Pride Day?

People with autism are often subjected to discrimination and bias. Many wrong stereotypes are also associated with autism. Autistic Pride Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the condition and instill a sense of pride and confidence among autistic individuals.

Q3. Who started Autistic Pride Day and when?

The group Aspies for Freedom (AFF) started Autistic Pride Day in 2005. The aim of this day was to instill a sense of confidence in autistic individuals regarding their condition and identity. Autistic Pride Day is celebrated on 18 June every year.

Q4. How to celebrate Autistic Pride Day?

People celebrate Autistic Pride Day in different ways. Some of the popular Autistic Pride Day activities are as follows.

• Joining the annual Autistic Pride Day parade as an ally.
• Uplifting and supporting autistic individuals.
• Educating people about autism and its diverse nature.

Q5. Who can celebrate Autistic Pride Day?

Everyone can celebrate Autistic Pride Day. This day is observed to help autistic people feel empowered and supported. So, all autistic individuals and their allies (people who do not have autism but support autistic people) can celebrate Autistic Pride Day.