Many people don’t realize that April is known for many things such as autism acceptance and sexual assault awareness month. In this post you were learn about different topics that would be a good thing to show awareness for.
Autism Awareness Month
Autism Acceptance Month is a big thing in our house especially because there is not just one person who has autism but two people. Autism is a complex developmental condition affecting the patient’s ability to interact, communicate, and progress, has not one but many sub types. It is diagnosed in 1 of every 54 children and is often not diagnosed in girls until their are older.
How can you observe this?
✦ Celebrate neurodiversity: Embrace and value the unique strengths and perspectives of all neurotypes
✦ Challenge harmful stereotypes and promote positive representations of autism in the media
✦ Listen to Autistic voices: Prioritize autistic voices in decision-making
✦ Support inclusion: advocate for equal opportunities and accommodations in education, employment, and public spaces
✦ Advocate for policies that support Autistic people & families (e.g., healthcare and disability resources)
International Cesarean Awareness
Cesarean (C-section) is a surgical process to deliver a baby. C-sections happen for many reasons that including safety for both the baby and mother. C-sections births have risen since the 1990s from 7% to almost 21% world wide. That is absolutely crazy to think about. I am a mother of 2 children who were born via c-section.
How can you observe or help with this awareness?
✦ Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the reasons for cesarean deliveries, the potential risks and benefits, and how to advocate for informed birth choices. Share this information with friends, family, and your community.
✦ Support Cesarean Parents: Offer emotional support to those who have had a cesarean delivery. Listening to their experiences and validating their feelings can make a significant difference in their recovery and mental health.
✦ Join or Organize Events: Participate in or organize local or online events, such as webinars, workshops, or support groups, that focus on cesarean awareness and education. These events can provide valuable information and resources to expectant parents and healthcare professionals.
✦ Share Personal Stories: If you have experienced a cesarean delivery, consider sharing your story on social media or with a support group. Personal narratives can help others feel less alone and encourage open conversations about birth experiences.
✦ Advocate for Better Birth Practices: Support organizations and initiatives that promote evidence-based birth practices, reduce unnecessary C-sections, and improve maternity care. Advocacy can lead to better outcomes for mothers and babies.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault happens 1 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men. That is an astonishing statistic to read. Many people don’t realize that sexual assault happens in men. Men tend to not want to talk about it or even report it. Many times the perpetrators are not caught, only 5 of ever 1000 perpetrators are caught. This time is set aside as a special awareness and education month that aims to bring exposure to sexual violence worldwide and educate individuals on how to prevent it.
How can you observe or help raise awareness?
✦ Spread Awareness: Spread awareness about sexual assault in your community. Educate those in your circle of influence about the evils of sexual assault, how to prevent it, and where to get help for victims.
✦ Volunteer your time and Expertise: There are several organizations out there making a change in this world by advocating for better laws regarding sexual assault, and counseling survivors. You can volunteer or donate your time and money to this good cause.
✦ Attend an event: During the month of April, there will be many rallies such as the Take Back the Night rally or other public events honoring National Sexual Assault Awareness and Education Month. Attend these to show your support.
National Month of Hope
This is about celebrating the power of hope- the belief that things will work out. The definition of hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
How can you observe or help spread awareness?
✦ Spread some Sunshine: Everyone needs a little hope every now and then so take this month as an opportunity to bring hope to someone and send a little sunshine their way. The good part about this is that it just takes a little effort to become hope-bearers. Volunteer at some community service, lift the spirits of someone dealing with some medical issue, spend a day with the homeless, or commit to small acts of kindness for the whole month!
✦ Don’t Forget Yourself: Hope is something that opens the heart, mind, and soul, but sometimes we tend to forget the power that hope holds. So take a deep breath and visualize a new situation, whether it is about your health, a relationship, or your career.
✦ Share your Hope: Use the hashtag #NationalHopeMonth to share stories of hope, quotes, and inspirations on social media and encourage family and friends too.
KansasMama Blog 