Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month? Read on to learn more about autism, tips on how you can celebrate, and how Moxie helps those with autism. 

What is Autism Acceptance Month?

Autism acceptance month is focused on celebrating neurodiversity and individual differences, while promoting acceptance of autistic people in the community and continuing to make society more inclusive for everyone. 

Statistics on autism

1 in 36 people have been diagnosed with autism. 

Common traits of autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental condition that can impact social skills, communication, relationships, and emotion regulation. Autism is a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. 

What do autistic people want you to know?

Avoid using harmful labels such as “high” or “low” functioning. Autism is a spectrum, and everyone’s individual experience varies. 

The majority of autistic people prefer “identity first” language, rather than person first language, as it works against the stigma that being autistic is bad. You can always ask someone what their personal preference is. 

Some autistic people are nonverbal, but it doesn’t mean they are not able to communicate. Many use augmentative communication devices, sign language, or even behavior. It’s important for people to learn to listen to and accept alternate forms of communication

Don’t speak over autistic voices. Support organizations and learn information from organizations run by autistic people. 

How can you celebrate autism acceptance month with your family?

Read books designed for children to teach them more about autism, such as The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca and We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch.  

Watch tv shows and movies with autistic characters, such as Julia on Sesame Street or Spark Shorts on Disney+.

Talk to your children about the importance of inclusion, and ways they can help people of all abilities to feel accepted and valued. 

Attend or volunteer at events in your community that are put on by local autism organizations, or make donations to national organizations that promote autism acceptance. 

How does Moxie help kids with autism?

Moxie has lots of activities that can be helpful for kids on the autism spectrum! 

Moxie helps kids learn how to self-regulate their emotions through fun mindfulness activities like animal breathing, meditation journeys, and body scans. Moxie also has mission sets and conversations designed to help kids understand their emotions and learn how to communicate their feelings with others.  

Moxie has several mission sets that work on important social skills, such as making friends, understanding personal space, being a good sport, and making mistakes. 

Moxie also has fun chat capabilities designed to help kids practice conversation skills in a safe and non-judgmental environment. 

The Moxie Robot app has settings designed to help children with sensory or communication differences, such as increased response time, slower speech, and limits on flashing icons and loud noises. 

Stats

In a large in-home study conducted by Embodied with neurodiverse children, Moxie was able to improve social skills in 70% of children who interacted with Moxie a few days a week over a 1 month period, including children on the autism spectrum. 

Parents have reported to us that Moxie has helped their child who is on the spectrum better regulate their emotions, engage in more conversations with family members, and gain self confidence.