Spark Your Differences
Each one of us around the world is unique and this stands for differences making our community lively and worthwhile. During the month of April, we celebrate Autism Awareness Month recognizing the beauty of neurodiversity and learning to be connected in an inclusive and understanding world. I made this title “Spark Your Differences” because it is not just a message to be accepted who you are but to embrace your talents and uniqueness. Everyone has their own sparkness to change through compassion and acceptance.
According to the Government of Canada, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition where one may interact with people differently, have different sensory processes, and some focus immensely on specific things. While some individuals with autism have some facing those challenges on a daily basis, they also have their own creativity and incredible uniqueness.
Today, we gather to learn from autistic voices and to be recognized that each of them feels heard, seen, or valued. They don’t need to be “fixed like normal people” or to be “perfect”, They need to be understood in every situation they have, feel respected, and supported along the way. Some mental health advocates prefer to switch it out from “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” because the term “awareness” is just recognizing and it is usually something to use that word for health-related awareness such as alcohols and vape. “Acceptance” is a fundamentally adequate word to use to fulfill those around that they fully embrace and including those who live with different health conditions, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (or ASD).
The theme “Spark Your Differences” encourages everyone - fellow students, professors, staff, families, and friends - to acknowledge their own uniqueness and same goes to those of others. It is a reminder that all of us have something to offer whether we think of pictures, love patterns, enjoy what we usually do, or express ourselves in ways that are different from what we expected to be. Autism does not define one’s difference; it’s just part of who they are.
So, how can we, as our CUE community, “spark their differences”? We can begin our small, but powerful ways with wearing bright colours, being a buddy to someone who needs a friend to hangout or chat, or simply learning more aspects about what autism really means can help “spark” in an inclusive learning environment. Listening without judgment, having positive body language with chatting, asking questions respectfully, and practicing patience over time are the ways we can stand up with one another.
Let this month be more than just a page in a calendar. Let this begin a lifelong habit to see people who they are, valuing one’s differences, and standing for DEI principles. At the end of the day, celebrating what makes us different is not just physically, mentally, or even culturally who we are, but discovering one's difference in a way that sparks changes, understanding, and most importantly, acceptance.
