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Let's Talk About It

Autism Awareness, Do We Truly Understand?

By Yvette Tello · Apr 23, 2026

Read in the original edition on Issuu

Autism is more than a word we hear during awareness months, it’s a reality for millions of families every single day. It shows up in different ways, in different people, and no two individuals on the autism spectrum are the same. Some communicate differently. Some experience the world more intensely. Some need more support, while others simply need more understanding.But here’s the real question…Are we truly aware of what autism is?

Not just the definition, but the lived experience. Do we recognize the patience it takes for a parent navigating daily routines that others may take for granted? Do we understand the courage it takes for a child to walk into a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind? Do we pause before judging behaviors we may not fully understand? Autism awareness isn’t just about knowing, it’s about how we show up. When you see a child having a sensory moment in public, how do you respond?

Do you offer grace, or do you stare? Do you make space, or do you make assumptions? For those of us with friends, family members, or children on the spectrum, What does support really look like to you? And for those who may not have direct experience, What are you doing to learn, to grow, and to create spaces where families feel welcomed, loved, heard, and seen? Because inclusion isn’t a statement, it’s an action. It’s the teacher who takes extra time.

It’s the business that creates sensory-friendly environments.

It’s the neighbor who shows kindness instead of confusion.It’s the community that chooses compassion over judgment. It’s the friend that tells you to relax; your kids are fine. They aren’t bothering anyone or we have a sibling that is autistic. We get it. We got you. Let me take them to give you a break to do something or do nothing. Autism awareness should lead to autism acceptance, and ultimately, autism inclusion. So we ask you, our readers…Are we doing enough?

How can we do better? What does true support look like in your community? Let’s talk about it…

Let's talk about it: what our community said

Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.

  • “I thank god for the 1-2 in my / sons life but honestly it takes a village”

    Donna Lowell Johnson

  • “I created a 24-hour Autism Life Line. Because some nights get heavy… The meltdowns, the stress, the feeling of doing this alone. If you’re a caregiver or someone on the spectrum and you just need someone to talk to…Call or Text. You don’t have to hold it all in. Starting April 27 @ 6PM Daree Not 2 Staree Autism Life Line. Even if you don’t need it today…save this. One day, you might.”

    JaLynn Williams

  • “I love my great granddaughter and I love spending time with her. She is well loved by her family !”

    Angela Dise

  • “Be the one”

    Mary Owens

  • “My daughter’s friend has a 4 years old autistic child. She asked my daughter if she could bring her and would not be offended if she said no. They were coming to my house that day. I was furious because her own family does not allow the child into their homes. I told my daughter's friend they are always welcome in my home and she doesn't need to ask. After all, she's only a child. She is non verbal but being here with my 2 year old granddaughter she's coming out of herself because she is not being judged. She's a beautiful little girl. She has even said a few words here”

    Carmel Brennan

  • “Amen! Be the one and share the love.”

    Beth Hoelzer Ryals

  • “Always and forever for the last 26 years.”

    Terrina Mills

  • “Absolutely….pay attention”

    Ruth Sells

  • “Amen! Right on. Educate, understand, and love. Easy and simple!”

    Howard Ward III

  • “I do everything in my power to be my Joey's comfort Gramma and stand by or sit with him as much as I possibly can.”

    Beth Latshaw

  • “Til my last breath”

    Brenda Block

  • “Everyday”

    Latrell Perry

  • “Word”

    Jesse Jarvis

  • “I will!”

    Kathryn Walters

  • “Be the one”

    Joyce Waller Rogers

  • “Always. Those children deserve better. They all have a special gift.”

    Rosemary Trezza

  • “I miss my daughter so much”

    Karl Lloyd-Buckingham

  • “I will be the one for all children, especially autistic super stars”

    Ann Irwin

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