Light it up Blue
April is World Autism Awareness Month, a time to learn about and celebrate people with autism in our communities. Raising awareness involves advocacy for inclusive services, like support for mental health across a neurodiverse spectrum. Unfortunately many people with autism face challenges accessing mental health support. Symptoms of poor mental health may be misdiagnosed or mistaken. And when mental health concerns are identified, traditional supports based on neurotypical models may not be the right fit.
The National Autistic Society is based in the UK. They have created a series of information resources for people with autism, including resources for families of children and teens with autism. The resources cover a wide range of topics from depression and suicide to anxiety and grief. Each includes risk factors specific to people with autism and advice for managing mental health concerns using a holistic approach to care.
On April 2nd join us in wearing blue to support autism awareness. Visit Autism Speaks to learn more about the #LightItUpBlue campaign, and to find Canadian based autism resources. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call 211 for a list of local services or contact your child's school for referral information.