Let's Talk with Cheryl Hollon

Today is recognized internationally as World Autism Awareness Day.

Every year on April 2, the world pauses to focus on understanding, acceptance, and celebration on World Autism Awareness Day. It’s a day often symbolized by blue lights and puzzle pieces, but its meaning runs deeper than any color or icon.

Autism is not a single story. It is a spectrum as vast and varied as a night sky, each individual a mix of strengths, challenges, perspectives, and talents. Some communicate through words, others through art, movement, or silence that speaks volumes if we learn how to listen. Awareness, then, is only the first step. True progress blooms in acceptance and inclusion.

In recent years, the conversation has shifted. Many advocates now emphasize “Autism Acceptance” over simple awareness. Awareness says, “I see you.” Acceptance says, “You belong.” That distinction matters. It invites us to move beyond passive recognition and into active kindness—creating spaces where neurodiverse individuals are not just accommodated but valued.

For writers, educators, neighbors, and communities, this day offers a gentle nudge: whose voices are missing from our stories, our classrooms, our conversations? And how can we make room for them, not as guests, but as essential threads in the fabric?

My Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries include a character named Jacob Underwood. He is on the spectrum and was apprenticed to my main character’s father. Savanah has continued to employ Jacob because his skill with vintage glass repair is completely off the charts. He sees things that no one else notices, which plays into her amateur sleuth successes. Many readers have told me that Jacob is their favorite character. I love that.

Because a more inclusive world isn’t built in grand gestures. It’s built with everyday understanding, one thoughtful moment at a time.

What’s your connection with autism? Share your experiences in the comments!

Want to know more about our author Cheryl Hollon? Visit her WEBSITE.

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Don’t forget to enter our Booklover’s Bench giveaway. We’re collecting entries for TWO free books to one lucky winner. The contest runs from April 1-22. Here’s the link: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/

The Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are set in the city of St. Petersburg, FL. The characters spend considerable time creating magnificent glass art and also sampling the culinary delights of the downtown waterfront’s foodie landscape. Please buy books locally if you can. Independent bookstores need your patronage. If your budget is tight, support your local library – that counts, too! Also at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074CF91QF