Napa Valley Register: OP ED: "Autism has always existed; people are born autistic"

April 15, 2026, The Lighter Path: Autism, neurodiversity and acceptance | Columnists | napavalleyregister.com  OP ED

Napa, CA

“You don’t look autistic.” This is a phrase I have encountered multiple times since receiving my autism diagnosis, simply because I do not fit the stereotype most people have of what autism looks like. And that is exactly why April, as Autism Acceptance Month, is important.

What is autism?

Before we get into what autism is, we must first define neurodiversity, which autism falls under. Someone who is neurodiverse, put simply, experiences the world differently from neurotypical (those who are not neurodiverse) people. It is a spectrum that encompasses a variety of sensory processing abilities, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition and focus. Any resulting disability is largely a result of an individual’s unique needs and lack of accessible environments. . . . .

Autism has always existed, and autistic people are born autistic and will be autistic their whole lives. The cause of autism is, put simply: genetics.

If you are autistic, someone in your family is also likely autistic, even if they never get formally diagnosed. Because of myths and stereotypes about autism, it can be harder for Autistic girls, women and people of color to get a diagnosis, and if they do receive a diagnosis, it is often much later in life when they are adults. . . .

Lastly, avoid using historic symbols of autism such as the puzzle piece. Puzzle pieces imply that autistics are “incomplete” and “missing a piece,” which is hurtful.

The puzzle piece is also intrinsically linked to Autism Speaks, an organization focused on finding a “cure” and which does not center autistic voices.

Similarly, the slogan “light it up blue” perpetuates the stereotype is only found in boys and is also a slogan perpetuated by harmful autism organizations.

The autistic community has, instead, settled on a gold infinity loop to represent our disability. (Why gold? Well, the chemical symbol for gold is Au, just like the first two letters of autism, of course.) This symbol represents the diversity within the autistic community, as well as our limitless potential. We also like to use the slogans “red instead” and “tone it down taupe” (for those with sensitivities to bright colors like red) rather than any reference to blue.

What is Autism Acceptance Month?

Autism Acceptance Month was created by and for the autistic community as a response to Autism Awareness Month in order to change the conversation around what the neurotype is and who autistic people are.

“Awareness” connotes a threat to be countered with vigilance, whereas “acceptance” emphasizes that autistic people belong and that we deserve welcoming communities, inclusive spaces, equal opportunities and proper accommodations.

Of course, acceptance goes far beyond changing the name of a month’s theme. To truly practice acceptance, neurotypicals must also change how they think about autism.

Neurotypical folks must recognize the inherent rights and humanity of all autistic people, centering our perspective as, broadly, disabled people, and more specifically, as autistic people. . . .