"Nothing about us without us." That's a motto at the heart of the autistic self-advocacy movement — and it's one every family should take to heart, especially in April during Autism Acceptance Month.
For decades, the conversation about autism was dominated by non-autistic researchers, medical professionals, and parents. Today, autistic people are telling their own stories — through film, social media, books, and advocacy — and it's our job to listen. Really listen. Not just to the voices that seem familiar, but to the full spectrum of autistic experience, including those who communicate without spoken words.
Why Listening to Autistic Voices Matters
When children grow up hearing only non-autistic perspectives on autism, they absorb a narrow (and often inaccurate) understanding of what it means to be autistic. They may develop pity instead of respect, or see autism as something to be "fixed" rather than understood.
Exposure to autistic storytellers — across ages, support needs, communication styles, and backgrounds — builds a more accurate, more compassionate worldview. It also helps autistic kids feel seen in a world that too often overlooks them.
4 Movies to Watch With Your Family This April
1. Ezra (2023)
2. Temple Grandin (2010)
3. Stand Clear of the Closing Doors (2013)
An independent film that follows Ricky, a teenage autistic boy from a Mexican-American immigrant family in the Rockaways of Queens, New York. When Hurricane Sandy approaches, Ricky goes missing on the subway. The film is remarkable for its non-sensationalized, respectful portrayal of a non-speaking autistic character and his family's experience.
4. The Reason I Jump (2020)
5. SPELLERS (2024)
3 Autistic Advocates to Follow Right Now
Haley Moss (@haley.moss) — Instagram
Haley Moss made history as one of the first openly autistic lawyers admitted to the Florida Bar. She's an author, artist, and advocate who shares her journey as an autistic professional navigating careers, relationships, and self-discovery. Her content is smart, warm, and deeply relatable for autistic teens and adults.
Daniel Jones (@theaspieworld) — Instagram
Daniel Jones is a UK-based content creator, author, and autism advocate with a huge global following. His videos are honest, practical, and often funny — covering everything from social situations to sensory challenges to the joys of special interests. He's a great follow for parents who want to understand what autistic life actually looks like.
Jordyn Zimmerman (@jordynbzim) — Instagram
Jordyn Zimmerman is a non-speaking autistic activist, educator, and researcher who communicates using a letterboard and speech-generating device. Her work is a powerful reminder that non-verbal does not mean without thoughts, feelings, or voice. Following Jordyn is one of the most important things you can do to broaden your understanding of the full autism spectrum.
A Note on Non-Verbal and Minimally Verbal Experiences
It's easy to default to following only autistic voices that communicate in conventional ways. But roughly one-third of autistic people are non-speaking or minimally speaking. Their experiences, perspectives, and insights deserve to be heard just as much. Seek out AAC users, non-speaking advocates, and the families who support them. They're out there — and they have a lot to say.
Support the Autism Society While You Shop
This April, Sense-ational You is donating 5% of all orders to the Autism Society — an organization that has been amplifying autistic voices, funding research, and building community for over 50 years.
Our products are designed with autistic and sensory-sensitive kids in mind. Every hoodie, every sensory tool, every thoughtfully designed garment exists because we believe every child deserves comfort, dignity, and joy.