Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month at Camp Starfish
Each April, communities around the world observe Autism Acceptance Month — a time dedicated not just to raising awareness about autism, but to actively promoting acceptance, inclusion, and understanding for autistic individuals. At Camp Starfish, where we believe that every child deserves a place where they are valued for exactly who they are, this month carries special significance. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our mission, amplify autistic voices, and renew our commitment to creating spaces where neurodiversity is embraced and celebrated.
From Awareness to Acceptance: Why Words Matter
For many years, April was widely recognized as Autism Awareness Month. While awareness is important, advocates within the autistic community have led a vital conversation about the need to move beyond simply acknowledging autism’s existence. Awareness alone often stops at recognition without addressing the barriers autistic people face in accessing acceptance, understanding, and opportunity. Additionally, the word acceptance gives off the impression that autism is something to be vigilant of and weary about, which defeats the purpose of the month.
The shift toward Autism Acceptance Month represents a meaningful step forward. Acceptance means creating environments where autistic people are not only included but valued for their unique perspectives, talents, and experiences. It means recognizing autism as a part of the human experience rather than something to be “fixed” or merely tolerated. Most importantly, it means addressing barriers that prevent and deny autistic people from accessing life-enriching experiences and self-fulfillment. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network shares a great article about how acceptance is an action and how autistic acceptance upholds these notions. This perspective has always been central to the philosophy at Camp Starfish.
What Autism Acceptance Looks Like at Camp Starfish
At Camp Starfish, acceptance is not a one-month campaign — it is the foundation upon which our entire program is built. Our mission is to make sure that every camper feels safe, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Additionally, it is our goal that autistic children can experience an enriching summer camp experience similar to their neurotypical peers. Here’s how we work to embody true autism acceptance every day:
Individualized, Compassionate Support
We recognize that every child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, preferences, and needs. That’s why we maintain a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio, ensuring each camper receives individualized attention and care. This structure allows us to provide personalized support plans, sensory accommodations, clear visual schedules, and consistent routines that help all campers — especially those on the autism spectrum — feel secure and successful.
Strength-Based Programming
Too often, conversations about autism focus on deficits rather than abilities. At Camp Starfish, we flip that narrative by celebrating each camper’s strengths. Whether it’s a camper’s artistic creativity, compassion toward others, sense of justice, unending humor, or unique way of seeing the world, we create opportunities for those strengths to shine. Activities are thoughtfully adapted to meet individual needs while highlighting what each child does best.
Amplifying Autistic Voices
One of the most important lessons we’ve embraced is the importance of centering autistic voices in conversations about autism. Many of our campers, staff members, and alumni are autistic, and their insights are essential in shaping our programming, staff training, and community culture. We actively listen to feedback from autistic individuals and incorporate their suggestions into how we approach everything from daily routines to sensory-friendly programming.
Creating Predictable, Supportive Environments
Camp Starfish’s structured and intentional environment is particularly supportive for campers on the autism spectrum. Our staff is trained to provide clear communication, manage transitions thoughtfully, and use evidence-based strategies to reduce anxiety and foster positive peer interactions. By offering consistent routines, visual supports, and a compassionate team, we create a space where autistic campers feel safe to explore new experiences and build friendships.
The Broader Impact: Advocacy Beyond Camp
While our primary work happens within the gates of Camp Starfish, we also recognize the importance of advocating for acceptance in the broader community. Autism Acceptance Month gives us a platform to engage in conversations about inclusion in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Through staff education, community outreach, and family support, we aim to extend the values of empathy, respect, and inclusion far beyond camp.
We encourage families, staff, and supporters to seek out and share resources created by autistic self-advocates, to challenge misconceptions about autism, and to engage in meaningful conversations about neurodiversity with their children and communities. Acceptance is not a destination but an ongoing, collective effort — one that benefits everyone when we choose to embrace the richness of human uniqueness.
How You Can Participate
There are many meaningful ways to participate in Autism Acceptance Month and show support for autistic individuals, both within and beyond the Camp Starfish community:
- Educate yourself and others by reading books, articles, and blogs authored by autistic people.
- Engage in conversations with your children, friends, and coworkers about neurodiversity and the importance of acceptance.
- Support organizations and initiatives led by autistic individuals and those advocating for neurodivergent communities. You can learn more about organizations led by autistic individuals here.
- Advocate for inclusion in your schools, workplaces, and community programs.
Celebrate the strengths and talents of the autistic people in your life, not just during April, but every day.
Moving Forward Together
At Camp Starfish, every child is a valued member of our community. Autism Acceptance Month offers a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing and celebrating each individual’s unique contributions. It calls us to continue building spaces — both at camp and in the world — where individuality is embraced, strengths are recognized, and every person is given the opportunity to belong.
As we mark this month, we invite our families, alumni, staff, and friends to join us in fostering a culture of acceptance that extends far beyond April. Together, we can create a world that celebrates neurodiversity, uplifts autistic voices, and ensures that all children have the opportunity to thrive.
