Discover the Reasons for the #Activate4Autism Movement

Chances are someone in your community or social network is on the autism spectrum. You may not be aware of the challenges they face. Most grow up with a sense of shame because they’ve been stereotyped, judged as strange, and often bullied for being different. If you have a loved one with autism, you know how important it is that we help the public gain a deeper understanding of the autism experience.

At Geek Club Books, we make it our mission to engage and educate the public about autism—to replace stereotypes and fears with curiosity and wonder.

We launched an #Activate4Autism movement that brings together voice actors who are in favorite video games, cartoons and animated films, stage actors who have appeared on Broadway and London stages, children’s authors, a comic artist, a fan con, and, most importantly, autistic advocates. They’ve come together in unity to activate others to become more open and welcoming to people on the autism spectrum.

Meet a few of the Activators why they say #Activate4Autism is so important:

Everyone deserves to be seen and heard.

“Everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Everyone deserves to be accepted. Everyone deserves to be loved.” Jared Gertner is best known for his role as “Arnold Cunningham” in the Book of Mormon on Broadway and on the London Stage (where he was nominated for an Olivier for best lead in a musical). He is performing with other Broadway and film actors in “Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose” in Pasadena this December.

Jared speaks up for anyone who feels different and unheard. He doesn’t want people on the autism spectrum to feel defined by their diagnosis. “I see you. I hear you. I accept you. And I love you.”

Christopher Gorham, Julian Feder, and John Asher from “A Boy Called Po,” movie, agree. “Kids on the autism spectrum are just kids. No one should be afraid of them.”

We must speak out for acceptance.

Television actress and MrsP.com storyteller, Kathy Kinney boldly stepped forward (as did so many others) to say that it’s no longer acceptable to marginalize autistic individuals—everyone must speak out for acceptance and inclusion for all.

People with autism have abilities and dreams too.

Chase Bailey is an advocate who hosts his own cooking show and authored the “Official Chase ‘N Yur Face Cookbook.” He inspires others on the spectrum and proves that sharing one’s abilities adds value to the world. Chase is working hard to make sure there are opportunities for everyone to “chase their dreams.”

Our world is better with a spectrum of voices.

Rebecca Burgess is a comic artist from the UK who is also a woman with autism. She created a comic, “Understand the Spectrum” for Autism Acceptance Week last year. The comic went viral as it breaks the myths and stereotypes often associated with autism. For #Activate4Autism, Rebecca created “Hear Our Spectrum of Voices” comic featuring quotes from other autistic advocates. Both are downloadable for free on the #Activate4Autism page.

Now Activate YOUR Voice

Watch all the actors, authors, and advocate videos over at #Activate4Autism on Geek Club Books. You can activate your voice too! You’ll find everything you need on our “Be an Activator” page.