Connecting through #Kindness | Sharing Positivity in a Virtual World

Earlier this year, we launched our campaign to create a kinder, more inclusive world, not knowing what challenges were ahead of us. Now more than ever, as we work through this uncertain time together, we know the autism community needs kindness, compassion and support.

While hugs and high-fives may now be virtual, group get-togethers happen via video conference and volunteerism is done from behind a computer screen… there are still plenty of ways to foster kindness, within our community and beyond.

Here are just a few ideas from the team here at Autism Speaks, and we invite you to share your ideas with us on social @autismspeaks or by emailing kindness@autismspeaks.org:

• Share music: Music is a universal language that can help spread joy. Share your favorite mood boosting playlist on Facebook, Spotify or over email. Or even better, you can share the music yourself! We love this story about Justin, who saw videos of people playing music on their porches posted from Italy and was inspired to play his bass on the porch.
• Create: Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, there is always room to create! Get the family together for an “after school” arts-and-crafts project that incorporates a message of kindness. Use finger paint, sidewalk chalk or good old-fashioned crayons and colored pencils to share kind words, then share your masterpiece on social media with @autismspeaks and other members of the autism community.
• Take a Kindness Break: While many of us can’t have “water cooler” chats or sit around the school lunch table together, we can still plan to take a break each day, and why not dedicate it to kindness? Pick a date and set aside an hour to take time to be kind – to yourself and your community – while raising vital funds that help us fulfill our mission. When you’re done, cap off your good work by pouring yourself a cup of kindness and having a virtual catch-up with friends over video chat. Head to this page for more ideas on how to take your virtual kindness break.
• Take the Kindness Challenge: Be a beacon of kindness in the social world by leading by example and sharing positivity. Write or film a kind and uplifting message to your followers on social media. Post it and tag @autismspeaks and three of your friends and nominate them to post kind messages of their own.
• Reach out: Friends and coworkers who are home with their kids with autism may need some extra support. Take this opportunity to reach out and see how you can help, whether it is sending groceries to their home, making adjustments to work schedules or simply giving them a video call to say hello.
• Practice generosity: If you’re in a position to help during this unprecedented moment, please know that every dollar donated to the mission of Autism Speaks counts. It’s with these crucial funds that we can continue to provide research, advocacy, resources and support for the community, now when they need it most. If you or someone you know can give to support the mission, we are so grateful. Or, head to Facebook to create a fundraiser – inviting your network to help make an immediate impact.

While the situation around COVID-19 evolves daily, we remain committed to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. We’re compiling COVID-19 resources and information in a centralized hub and updating in real-time as we hear from individuals and families.

Life may be changing, but we know kindness and compassion can go a long way. We’re keeping our sights set on serving our community and continuing to create a more understanding, accepting and inclusive world. We hope you’ll join us.

Have you experienced a virtual act of kindness in your community? Share it with us on social @autismspeaks or via email at kindness@autismspeaks.org.