Autism Sunday 

Show support for those individuals who have autism spectrum disorder, as well as their families, by bringing the community together in honor of Autism Sunday!

History of Autism Sunday

Autism Sunday can trace its roots back more than five decades, when its first rendition started as a grassroots event by a father whose son had autism.

Frustrated with the lack of assistance and information for people with autism and their families, Dr. Bernard Rimland of California, along with two others, formed the Autism Society of America in 1965.

A few years later, Rimland organized an Autism Sunday event to raise awareness in and around the San Diego Community.

It was in 1988 that US President Ronald Reagan brought about more national recognition by declaring April as National Autism Awareness Month, also sometimes called Autism Acceptance Month.

Later, in 2002, a new Austim Sunday popped up in the United Kingdom when it was organized during their Autism Awareness Year.

The event was also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism Spectrum Disorders, and it was organized by the parents and carers who encouraged churches, community groups, leaders of religious organizations and community leaders to use their voices on behalf of people with autism spectrum disorders.

The first event was a high profile one, held at the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England and including various members of Parliament.

Since that time, the annual Autism Sunday event has been supported by various political figures as well as non-profit organizations. At one point, Pope Benedict even assured the organizers that he would be praying for the autism community on the day.

How to Celebrate Autism Sunday

Get invovled and participate in various Autism Sunday activities, including some of these:

Hold a Moment of Silence for Those with Autism

While in the UK and other places, Autism Sunday might be held in Christian churches that encourage prayer, this is not meant to discourage those who have different beliefs.

Autism Sunday makes everyone welcome to share in their spiritual or non-spiritual practices as they see fit.

Those who pray are encouraged to do so on this day, and others might find it beneficial to hold a moment of silence in honor of the struggles that so many people with autism face.

Raise Awareness About Autism Sunday

An excellent goal of Autism Sunday is to gather communities together in support of those who are impacted by autism.

Anyone can take this as an opportunity to use their influence to make a difference. Hold conversations at work or school about the need for more autism support.

Read up at the library or online to get more educated. Or volunteer at an autism support event and share about it through social media.

Tell Your Autism Story

Those who are on the autism spectrum and would like to garner support from the community might be interested in sharing their stories.

Speak at a rally, write a blog, or share on social media about the ways autism has impacted your life and what you wish the community would do to make a difference!