April is Autism Acceptance Month, also known as Autism Awareness Month. It’s one thing to be aware of someone, but it’s more important to accept and listen to them.
Historically, education about autism and other disabilities has been centered around or taught by neurotypical people. The internet has allowed disabled people to lead conversations about their identities in the past decade.
That’s why April is a great time to learn more about neurodiversity, dismantle ableism and support autistic creators. The Connector has compiled a list of autistic influencers that will educate you through laughter and love.
Instagram: @iampayingattention
With an aesthetic layout and attention-grabbing texts, @iampayingattention is an excellent resource for people with both autism and ADHD.
As an education and discussion-based platform, their women-led team focuses on boosting confidence in neurodivergent people while explaining terms and definitions in an accessible way.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed or just want to be an ally, pay attention to these charismatic creators.
Instagram: @autieselfcare
As an ambassador from the National Autistic Society of the UK, Izzy posts infographics and reels that demand respect and compassion for autistic people.
Her account highlights the struggles, joys and everything in-betweens of autistic life as a young person. And if you’re not autistic, Izzy advises people on how they can support people who are.
Their posts also explore social situations and relationships, clearing up common misconceptions about autistics.
Instagram: @auteachofficial
Robin Roscigno is an autistic public speaker, educator and parent who posts infographics and videos that help parents of autistic children. Known for her TED talk “Your Autistic Child Can Have a Great Life, Here’s How,” Roscigno has amassed a following on multiple platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Instagram: @autism_sketches
Anouk is a twenty-two year old artist educating through vibrant, beautiful artworks. Her artwork is sensory-friendly and pleasing to view with a gold and blue color palette.
Anouk doesn’t limit themselves to speaking about autism. As a non-binary aromantic illustrator, she also posts LGBTQ+ drawings that spread awareness of queer holidays and events.
TikTok: @chamayamoody
Chamaya Moody opens conversations about her identity as a Black, neurodivergent woman. Her videos discuss relationships, allyship and representation in media.
In the spirit of Autism Acceptance Month, she made a video showing people how to support their autistic loved ones. Her tips include:
- Supporting organizations that involve autistic people in administrative positions
- Making sensory-friendly workspaces
- Accepting the average autistic people in your community without holding them to a higher standard than anyone else
TikTok: @atypicaltoker
Wyatt’s hilariously empathetic skits show the common situations autistic and ADHD people deal with every day. With his witty humor and boy-next-door energy, Wyatt’s videos are great for folks seeking memes and someone who “just gets it.”
TikTok: @ndwellness
Lina’s conversational and all-too-relatable TikToks give her audience a look into neurodivergent social situations, sensory issues and burnout. Neurodivergent wellness doesn’t only impact mental health but physical energy levels as well. In her “All or nothing planning” skit, Lina says that some days will be far more productive than others, deviating from neurotypical work habits.
Though her videos cater to the autistic community, Lina sparks important dialogue around societal norms and interpersonal communication, showing that it’s better to say what you mean instead of relying on subtext.
TikTok: @online1roomschoolhouse
If there’s one autistic influencer that will bring a smile to your face, it’s Elora Dodd. Her clever humor and melodramatic flair make for some of the funniest videos on the platform. Known for her comedy skits, Dodd pokes fun at American pop culture.
So if you’re looking for someone who can call out misogynist media tropes and parody your favorite characters, Dodd is here to deliver.
What now?
April is a wonderful time of year filled with mild weather and autistic joy, but it’s important to remember that autism acceptance isn’t limited to a single month.
Stay proactive by supporting creators and business owners, challenging ableism and asking your neurodivergent loved ones what you can do to help for the rest of the year. It’s never too late to start learning!
