Every year, April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate people with autism and to spread acceptance and inclusion. At Aliso Niguel High School, students and staff work to make everyone on campus feel recognized and appreciated for who they are.
Autism Awareness Month was first established in the 1970s by Dr. Bernard Rimland, a psychologist and autism researcher who had a child with autism. This has grown into a global celebration that promotes inclusion.
The Aliso Niguel High School ASB has not put a specific plan in place to celebrate, but many ideas are being suggested and will soon be solidified. Some clubs on campus are holding specific meetings dedicated to recognizing these students.
Many students have begun taking steps to move this beyond awareness and to accept these individuals for their strengths and contributions to the community. On campus, this can be seen through clubs such as Best Buddies and Unified Cheer, where their mission is to emphasize and empower students with autism and other disabilities.
Best Buddies is a national-level organization with different club chapters at high schools across the country. Students in this club visit the classrooms specifically designed for students with autism or other disabilities to spend time with them and make them feel more included on campus. Small things like this create big differences on campus, leading to a more unified environment at school.
Karla Davila (11) says, “I really enjoy participating in the clubs on campus that focus on helping the students with autism. I have definitely learned a lot from just hearing them and being a part of their lives.” Students like Davila, and she included, all feel they have a lasting impact on the school when they participate in helping these people.
Autism itself is a spectrum, meaning individuals may have a wide range of strengths, challenges, and ways of interacting with the world. By learning more, students can help create a more understanding environment for these students.
Many people have become more informed about autism in recent years and how to support their peers. Tiger Lilee Flores (10) says, “I think this month being dedicated to people with autism really helps spread awareness. It has definitely made people more accepting and patient.”
There are some events happening locally to recognize people with autism. Sensory Art Studio is having “An inclusive, accessible art workshop designed for neurodivergent and/or disabled adults,” which will take place in Mission Viejo on Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
In Irvine, there will be an Autism Awareness Run on Sat. Apr. 11 at 7:00 a.m. Families are able to go and run for $25, with proceeds going towards organizations that focus their efforts on solving issues people with autism may face.
As Autism Awareness Month is about to begin, students at Aliso Niguel are encouraged to not only learn more but to actively practice inclusion in their daily lives. Whether it’s through joining clubs, going to events, or showing kindness, small actions can have a big impact. By continuing to support one another, the campus community can move beyond awareness and create an environment where every student feels valued.
