04/24/2025
By Jodi Rachins
As we observe World Autism Awareness Month, UMass Lowell stands in support of our autistic community. This month serves as an important reminder that our students, faculty and staff, whether autistic or not, are living full lives and have bright futures ahead. We celebrate the strengths and contributions of autistic individuals within our university and beyond.
There are several ways each of us can show up for our community members during this month and beyond:
- Educate ourselves: Take time to learn about autism and its spectrum of experiences.
- Include autistic people: Make sure autistic voices are included in conversations and at the decision-making table.
- Be kind and curious: Approach each interaction with openness and empathy.
- Ask questions: Foster understanding by respectfully asking questions and listening to answers.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to be an ally, a great starting point is the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This organization, run by and for autistic people, embraces the motto “Nothing About Us Without Us,” which emphasizes the importance of empowering autistic voices in all aspects of life.