April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote inclusion for those with Autism. Being autistic means that your brain may process information differently than non-autistic or neurotypical people. Autism affects the way that a person communicates and/or socializes. Individuals often have a variety of mental and physical healthcare needs.

It is important to remember that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and the type and intensity of characteristics can vary among individuals. The healthcare journey is a collaborative effort between the individual with autism, their family and their interprofessional team of healthcare providers, which may include nurses, occupational therapists, pediatricians, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and speech-language pathologists. The focus for the interprofessional team often includes empowering individuals with autism to exercise their rights and communicate their needs, and providing necessary supports for autistic patients including increasing their comfort, decreasing their stress and anxiety, and ensuring their safety.

We must all work together to remove any potential stigma and discrimination around autism. In order to ensure barriers to care are removed, it is essential to ensure that all patients and their caregivers receive compassionate, respectful, and empathetic care.

Promoting the full participation of all people with autism advances inclusion within the community. This month, in honour of Autism Awareness Month, take a moment to acknowledge, celebrate, and learn more about your colleagues and patients with autism, including the many strengths that neurodivergence can contribute to our organization and community.

You can learn more about Autism by visiting the Autism Ontario website.