Day of Hope—April 5, 2023 LIGHT IT UP!

Abuse comes in many forms—from physical violence, to sexual abuse, to neglect, such as when necessary medical care and food are withheld. According to Childhelp statistics, five children die daily in the U.S. due to neglect and abuse. Countless more are rescued from abusive situations.

In 2000, a Congressional resolution designated Childhelp National Day of Hope to be observed on the first Wednesday of April each year. It is a day to remember children who have been abused and to inspire people looking to help individuals suffering from abuse or neglect to act.

The Day of Hope was created by Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, who started a nonprofit organization called International Orphans Inc. in the 1960s to assist a group of orphaned children overseas and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and supporting children. In 1976, they launched a campaign against child abuse called the Children’s Village USA. In 1978, they opened the first residential treatment center specifically for abused children, in Beaumont, California.

Through their advocacy with President Carter, April was designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 1983, Children’s Village USA

Day of Silence

The Day of Silence was started by college students in the 1990s to shed light on the living conditions of many LGBTQ+ people. It is a day of protest where members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together to protest what many in the community face in their everyday lives.

This year, the Day of Silence takes place on April 14, 2023.

changed its name to Childhelp USA to focus on stateside initiatives, and Childhelp International was introduced for international activities. This enabled the organization to share its expertise with child abuse agencies around the world. To this day, it works to provide the necessary resources and support to child victims in various countries.

Autism Acceptance Month begins with the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, when the communities of the world come together to shine light on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and individuals with ASD. 2023 is the 16th anniversary of Autism Awareness Day.

Many children are victims of abuse and neglect and are not given the proper care and protection they deserve. Studies show that children who go through abusive experiences are at greater risk of developing problems later in life such as engaging in high risk behaviors, substance abuse, mood disorders, and death by suicide.

Childhood suffering has a significant impact on our society; the Day of Hope is a call to action to prevent child abuse and protect children worldwide.

ASD is a brain development disorder that comes from the Greek word “autos” meaning self. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the world, and approximately one in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed. Core symptoms include social interaction and communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors. The Autism Society began to raise awareness for autism in 1972 with Autism Awareness Week, which later became Autism Awareness Month in April. In 2021, the Autism Society changed the name to Autism Acceptance Month in order to foster acceptance and ignite change.

Although there is no specific color to represent autism, as every child with autism is unique, the Autism Speaks Foundation chose blue to demonstrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance. According to them, blue demonstrates serenity and calmness. ASD is often represented with the colors of the rainbow. Most closely tied to the concept of the autism spectrum, the range of colors on the rainbow has often been used to visually represent the diversity and range of symptoms, abilities, and challenges associated with autism.

Did you Know?

42% of LGBTQ+ people report feeling unwelcome in their environment. LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to experience physical harassment or bullying.

92% of LGBTQ+ youth report receiving negative messages about their sexuality and identity.

Almost a quarter of LGBTQ+ people earn less than $12,000 per year.

Those who participate take a vow of silence for the day to protest the harmful impact of hate, discrimination, and harassment on members of the community. This protest takes place across the country and the world. There are over 10,000 institutions registered as participants to The Day of Silence; all 50 states are represented as well as countries like New Zealand and Singapore. Although this day was started by college students at one university, it has spread to workplaces, other universities, and even sporting events. At the end of the day, participants break their silence and share their experiences during the protest in an effort to bring awareness and make their communities more inclusive. ●

Symbols for autism have continued to change. The original symbol by developed Gerald Gasson was the puzzle accompanied by the crying child. As understanding of autism has spread, the puzzle, or puzzle piece, has remained as the most well-known symbol, although it is not without controversy. Many believe the puzzle symbol means an individual with autism is “missing” something. Another interpretation is that autism is something to be solved; a stereotype that many autistic people dislike and dispute.

As understanding and acceptance of autism has spread, people around the world have developed new symbols to represent autism acceptance, including the butterfly as an inspiration for an individual’s changing abilities, and the infinity symbol. On its own, the infinity symbol means something is never-ending. When it comes to autism, it demonstrates a continuous journey.

No matter how you look at autism, no one symbol or color represents the developmental disorder that affects so many throughout the world. We should focus on moving from awareness to acceptance to full integration into society