Skip to content
  • About
  • Partner with Us
  • Indonesia
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Primary Menu
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Topics
  • News
  • Brief
  • Interview
  • Opinion
  • Figure
  • Infographic
  • Video
  • Community
  • Partner
  • Press Release
  • Youth
  • Global
  • Featured
  • Soft News

Neurodiversity Movement: Embracing Autism Acceptance & Inclusion

Every year, we celebrate Autism Awareness Day on April 2. More than awareness, the neurodiversity movement leads to autism acceptance and inclusion.
by Nazalea Kusuma March 31, 2023
a paper cutout of rainbow brain in a head silhouette

Photo: Freepik.

Autism is a spectrum of lifelong neurological conditions that affects someone’s cognition, communication, and interaction. Every year, we celebrate Autism Awareness Day on April 2. There has been a shift in the approach to autism and autism awareness. More than awareness, the neurodiversity movement leads to autism acceptance and inclusion.

Neurodiversity Movement

Neurodiversity is the concept that people experience, process, and interact with the world in infinitely different ways. The term was first used by sociologist Judy Singer and further popularized by journalist Harvey Blume in the 90s. Then, this idea sparked the neurodiversity movement.

The neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement aiming for acceptance and inclusivity that embraces neurological differences. The movement builds on the social model of disability, in which disability results from the systemic and social barriers in society and not one’s inherent impairment or difference. It sits opposite from the pathological paradigm, the biomedical view that these differences – including autism – are something to reduce and correct.

Some autistic self-advocates in the neurodiversity movement propose a middle way, treating harmful traits, behaviors, or conditions and embracing the non-harmful, adaptive ones. Overall, the neurodiversity movement calls for acceptance instead of a cure.

Awareness or Acceptance?

World Autism Awareness Day was first celebrated in 2008 following a resolution from the United Nations. Some activists propose the change from ‘awareness’ to ‘acceptance’ as the world increasingly embraces neurodiversity. In 2023, the theme for World Autism Awareness Day focuses on the contributions of autistic people at home, at work, in the arts, and in policymaking.

While there is no official name change, the UN’s statement for World Autism Awareness Day 2023 echoes the sentiment. It said, “We are moving away from the narrative of curing or converting autistic people and instead focusing on accepting, supporting, and including autistic people, and advocating for their rights.”

Autism Acceptance & Inclusion

Autistic individuals still largely face discrimination. The barriers that prevent them from leading long, meaningful lives remain prevalent. For instance, autistic people are a vulnerable group, yet left out and unaddressed in most climate action plans and commitments. There is still a long way toward acceptance and inclusion in education and the workplace.

Creating a better future for people and the planet with sustainable development requires participation from everyone with the spirit of leaving no one behind. Therefore, the active inclusion of autistic individuals is essential as both contributors and protected groups. Researchers, health professionals, educators, businesses, policymakers, communities, and friends can and should take part in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.


Subscribe to Green Network Asia
Strengthen your personal and professional development with cross-sectoral insights on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development across the Asia Pacific and beyond.
Select Your Subscription Plan
Nazalea Kusuma
Editor at Green Network Asia | Website |  + postsBio

Naz is the Manager of International Digital Publications at Green Network Asia. She is an experienced and passionate writer, editor, proofreader, translator, and creative designer with over a decade of portfolio. Her history of living in multiple areas across Southeast Asia and studying Urban and Regional Planning exposed her to diverse peoples and cultures, enriching her perspectives and sharpening her intersectionality mindset in her storytelling and advocacy on sustainability-related issues and sustainable development.

  • Nazalea Kusuma
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/nazalea/
    Living with Less: Does TikTok’s Underconsumption Core promote sustainable living?
  • Nazalea Kusuma
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/nazalea/
    Brain Rot and Its Impacts on Mental Health and Cognitive Abilities
  • Nazalea Kusuma
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/nazalea/
    Addressing the Challenges in Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Implementation
  • Nazalea Kusuma
    https://greennetwork.asia/author/nazalea/
    Dark Side of the Light: How light pollution affects people and the planet

Continue Reading

Previous: South Korea Rethinks the 69 Working Hours Plan
Next: Hyundai, Drop Coal: BTS ARMY Indonesia and KPOP4PLANET urge against new coal plant

Related Stories

A wet light bulb hanging on a wire How Solar Sister Connects Clean Energy with Women’s Empowerment
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How Solar Sister Connects Clean Energy with Women’s Empowerment

by Attiatul Noor July 10, 2025
Constructions for biogas development Community-based Renewable Energy Initiatives in Halmahera’s Transmigrant Villages
  • Community Content
  • Featured

Community-based Renewable Energy Initiatives in Halmahera’s Transmigrant Villages

by Arifa Fajar July 9, 2025
wooden blocks with symbols ASEAN and the UK Launched Partnership for Health Security
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

ASEAN and the UK Launched Partnership for Health Security

by Kresentia Madina July 8, 2025
A young man sits alone in a low light room, looking distressed while holding his phone. How the Manosphere Is Reshaping Young Men’s Identity
  • Brief
  • Featured

How the Manosphere Is Reshaping Young Men’s Identity

by Sukma Prasanthi July 7, 2025
Vegetable farming How Plant the Emirates Aims to Support Food Self-Sufficiency in the UAE
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

How Plant the Emirates Aims to Support Food Self-Sufficiency in the UAE

by Attiatul Noor July 4, 2025
figure of houses and pipes that emit smoke GRI’s Updated Sustainability Standards on Climate Change and Energy
  • Exclusive
  • Featured
  • Soft News

GRI’s Updated Sustainability Standards on Climate Change and Energy

by Kresentia Madina July 3, 2025

About Us

  • GNA CEO’s Letter
  • GNA In-House Team
  • GNA Author Network
  • GNA Press Release Guidelines
  • GNA Op-ed Article Guidelines
  • GNA Community Content Guidelines
  • GNA Internship
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
© 2021-2025 Green Network Asia