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April is World Autism Month

Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.

What is World Autism Month?

Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month, beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Throughout the month, we focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support. This year, we are committed to keeping the spirit of the month alive, as now more than ever we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion. In April 2021 we’re inviting the community to #LightUpWithKindness.

How can I participate?

There is power in kindness and one small act can have a ripple effect to foster kindness in our communities. We believe that that kindness can help create a world where all people can reach their full potential.

Supporters can participate in the initiative by visiting autismspeaks.org/wam where they can:

Other ways to participate include wearing blue on April 2, lighting buildings blue and exploring stories and photos shared by the diverse autism community. 

What is Light It Up Blue?

The Light It Up Blue initiative was created by Autism Speaks in 2010. Since that time, joined by the international autism community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world light blue on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) in recognition of people with autism.

With the recent Autism Speaks logo change from blue to the spectrum of colors, can I still “Light It Up Blue?”

Yes!  Autism Speaks is still rooted in our legacy blue.

Where can I get items to show my support of Autism Speaks?

Please visit the Autism Speaks eStore to purchase t-shirts, bracelets, pins, yard signs and other promotional products to spread kindness. Printed materials such as posters, flyers and brochures can be downloaded for free from the resources page.

How can I light my home blue?

You can purchase Phillips Autism Speaks blue light bulbs at Home Depot stores or visit www.homedepot.com and search “Autism Speaks Lights.”

I want to light my commercial building or public structure blue. What resources are available?

Visit www.rosco.com/LIUB for information on commercial lighting options.

How can I share my WAM photos online?

Download our Selfie Frame to use and show your support for people with autism. Then share photos by posting them with the hashtag #LightItUpBlue and #kindnesscounts to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Instagram.

Can I use the Autism Speaks World Autism Month marks for my event/fundraiser?

Yes. Logos may be downloaded from the resources page and used for informational or educational purposes during World Autism Month. All uses of the Autism Speaks World Autism Month logo must comply with the following Terms of Use:

  • The logo must remain intact. You may not change or add anything to it.
  • You may not place the logo on any product or use for selling purposes.
  • In the US, any fundraising activity utilizing the World Autism Month marks (or any Autism Speaks marks) must have the authorization of Autism Speaks. Contact marketing@autismspeaks.org and an Autism Speaks representative will contact you directly to review guidelines.

Where can I get the World Autism Month logo?

  • Permitted logos are available on the resources page. Please abide by the Terms of Use above.

Source: https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Youth Unity Stress Awareness

April is Stress Awareness Month

Youth Unity have put together some useful links to help signpost people to understanding and coping with stress!!

Sometime we need to remember to take time out and refocus and relax!

Learn About Stress Awareness Month

According to the Mental Health Foundation, it seems that 74% of UK adults have had a moment where they’ve felt so stressed that they’ve been too overwhelmed or unable to cope with the situation. Stress is a widespread feeling for most of us to feel, and as such, millions of individuals around the world can struggle with it. Stress can have an impact on our health, both physically and mentally. These health issues could be anxiety and depression to heart disease. Learning the coping mechanisms and just being more aware of stress can certainly help an individual who is feeling overwhelmed by this emotion.

History Of Stress Awareness Month

This month is held every April and has been running for 28 years since 1992, to be exact. The original organization dedicated to helping with workplace stress was founded back in 1974 and rebranded to the International Stress Management Association in 1989. There have been many investigations and studies into the cause of stress and how we react to it. It wasn’t until the 1950s that personality types were defined. Even earlier, back in 1936, Hans Selye began his pioneering studies into stress and developed the concept of general adaption syndrome.

How To Celebrate Stress Awareness Month

There are plenty of resources and helpful organizations available to help with your own struggles regarding stress. One way of doing something for stress awareness month is the 30-day challenge. The 30-day challenge encourages you to do one action for your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing every day. This can be really helpful in changing your mindset and outlook on stress, as well as finding ways to help cope with your own stresses. You may learn a lot about yourself and the triggers that come with stress too. 

As well as doing the challenge above, there is definitely more you can do, not only for yourself but also for other people. Talking about stress can be really helpful, and it might be worth reaching out to those you trust or to seek professional help where necessary. Please encourage others to talk about their feelings, too, and always try to be there for those individuals who may appear to be overwhelmed. We all cope with stress differently, so sharing your experiences of coping might also help someone else.

The most important thing with this month is that you’re focusing on your health and wellbeing. Put yourself first for a change and focus on bringing those stress levels down in whatever way possible.

Source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/stress-awareness-month/

Stress Management Society