The first World Autism Awareness Day was in 1989. In 2007, the UN voted to approve World Autism Awareness day officially being designated as April 2nd annually and it has been so since 2008.Over the years, World Autism Awareness Day has taken on many forms. The message conveyed to the community is often as varied as the autism spectrum itself. Sometimes it is a message of Acceptance, Respect and Empowerment. Sometimes it is a message of Epidemic, Fear and Negativity.In 2011, Paula Durbin Westby, an Autistic Disability Rights Activist tired of hearing negative messages began promoting an Autism Acceptance Day and Month.  Pro-neurodiversity, pro-supports and services, against "cures," AAD was started to counter April "awareness" stunts that demean autistics. Many organizations followed suit.Today, April 2nd, 2014, Karen Krejcha with Autism Empowerment Radio talks about World Autism Acceptance. What does it mean? What is the difference between Awareness and Acceptance? How can each of us make realistic positive strides to be Ambassadors for Acceptance of All Abilities within our community?What organizations are promoting Acceptance? How can you plug into meaningful, enriching resources and programs that empower and improve your lives?Ever wonder what is it like for youth and adults living with autism during Autism Awareness / Acceptance month? We'll talk about this as well as how we think the latest CDC statistics of 1 in 68 are going to impact this month's messages.Autism Empowerment believes in promoting Acceptance, Enrichment, Inspiration and Empowerment within the Autism and Asperger community and worldwide. www.AutismEmpowerment.org