Embracing Neurodiversity: Celebrating Autism Awareness Month with ElderTree Blends

Hello, dear ElderTree Blends community!

As the vibrant colors of spring start to bloom around us, there's another blossoming that holds special significance for us: April is Autism Awareness Month. This month, we are not only spreading awareness but also celebrating acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of neurodiversity.

At ElderTree Blends, our journey is deeply intertwined with the story of my son and I coming together to create something personally meaningful. As we are both neurodivergent, our shared experiences have led us to create a company that not only offers authentically handcrafted products but also serves as a beacon of acceptance and understanding for those on the autism spectrum.

The Heart of ElderTree Blends

ElderTree Blends was born out of a desire to connect, to create, and to share our love for natural, handcrafted products. As a mother and son team, we found solace and joy in the art of blending herbs, crafting soaps, and creating candles. It became more than just a way for us to connect; it became a way for us to express ourselves, our individual passions, and our unique perspectives on the world.

Autism Awareness vs. Autism Acceptance

During Autism Awareness Month, it's crucial to understand the distinction between awareness and acceptance. While awareness focuses on recognizing and acknowledging the existence of autism, acceptance delves deeper. It involves recognizing the value of neurodiversity, advocating for inclusive opportunities and resources, and fostering a world where individuals on the spectrum are supported to thrive and contribute their unique strengths to our communities.

Advocating for Acceptance

At ElderTree Blends, we are not just observers of Autism Acceptance Month; we are advocates. We believe that every person, regardless of neurotype, deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and understanding.  We encourage everyone to join us in this movement towards acceptance. Whether it's educating yourself about autism, supporting businesses owned by neurodivergent individuals, or simply spreading kindness and understanding, every action makes a difference.

Resources for Understanding and Support

If you're looking to learn more about autism or support the cause, here are some reputable resources to explore:

- Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): A nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people, advocating for the acceptance of autistic individuals.

- Autism Society: Provides resources, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by autism.

Books that offer insightful perspectives on autism:

Our favorite reads for parents and adults:

"We’re Not Broken" by Eric Garcia 

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm

Our favorite read for young children:

“All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism” by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer 

In the spirit of celebrating creativity and awareness, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite creators who are spreading positivity and understanding:

• @autisticprofessionalspeaker: This incredible individual uses their platform to share personal experiences, insights, and advocacy for autism awareness. Their words inspire us to continue our mission of acceptance.

• @breakwithshaiden: This vibrant and imaginative influencer supports autistic children in building confidence while promoting positivity and the importance of self-care.

Join Us in Celebrating Neurodiversity

As we navigate through this month of awareness and acceptance, let's remember that our differences are what make us beautifully unique. At ElderTree Blends, we invite you to celebrate neurodiversity with us, to embrace the kaleidoscope of human experiences, and to foster a world where everyone belongs.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, for supporting our small business, and for spreading love and acceptance far and wide.

With heartfelt gratitude,

ElderTree Blends

P.S. If you have a story to share about your experiences with autism or neurodiversity, we would love to hear it! Reach out to us on social media or via email. Let's continue to build a community rooted in understanding and compassion. 💚