It’s World Autism Awareness Day. Awareness is good and all, but I want more than awareness. Yes, it’s nice to give to money scientific studies to research the causes of autism, but I want more than that. I want money and effort put into the autistic children and adults who are here right now.

I want schools to fully fund and support the education of children with autism in safe, effective, warm environments.

I want autistic children to be fully embraced by their typical peers. So, encourage your kids to sit by a nerd in the cafeteria today. Or invite a slightly strange kid over for a playdate.

I want communities to offer social events for that population.

I want communities and school to reach out to the families of autistic children. Some are extremely socially isolated.

I want communities for autistic adults. I want work opportunities for autistic adults.