April marks the start of Autism Acceptance Month, a time to improve understanding and acceptance of our differences and the way autistic people experience the world.
There are around 700,000 people with autism in the UK, which is about 1 in 100 of us. Autism is not an illness or a disease but a different way of experiencing the world. All autistic people share certain challenges but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people have mental health conditions or other disabilities or health conditions, meaning people need different levels and types of support.
It is thought that many people, particularly adults, are undiagnosed and therefore autism could be more common than this.
Professor Sarah Morris shares her story:
‘I found out I’m autistic, in my mid-30s, and it has been a game-changer! Before I knew, every little comment about the way I acted or how I came across would really hurt emotionally. I’d end up being very hard on myself, thinking I just wasn’t doing enough. After the diagnosis, it was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
Now, I see myself in a whole new light. Sure, there are things I might not be naturally great at that others seem to naturally handle, and sometimes folks might not get why I can’t just “try harder.” But it’s all about spreading the word and understanding each other better. My brain works a bit differently, and that’s not a bad thing—it’s just me, and I’m proud of who I am.’
Learn More
Learn from autistic individuals in their own words presenting their experiences.
Talk about it
The language we use to talk about our differences is important to help change attitudes and create a more inclusive environment. The following articles give some guidance on how to talk about autism and autistic people.
Get Support
- The Disability Staff Network and Neurodivergent Sub-group is open to all staff and PGRs who identify as neurodivergent, offering a safe and supportive environment to connect with others.
- Autism Hampshire offers a wide range of free services to support individuals, families, and professionals as well as raise autism awareness within the local community.
- National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk)
- Disability support | Student Disability & Wellbeing | University of Southampton
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