Autism Acceptance Month, which takes place every April, is a month dedicated to improving acceptance and understanding towards autistic people and their experiences. It is a time to amplify the voices of autistic people and recognise their individual strengths and differences.
There are around 700,000 people with autism in the UK – that 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, as autism is a spectrum condition, being autistic will affect people 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, may not have a diagnosis of autism or do not know they are autistic, meaning autism could be more common than we think.
Hear from Amanda, a first year PhD student in the School of Psychology:
“I’m proud to be autistic and have found this is to be a huge part of my identity, which has enabled me to understand, accept and like myself. (…) I know that people might not fully understand me and that’s ok. I just need them to accept me as I am, and then I have the potential to do great things. Having lived the first 34 years of my life not knowing that I was autistic, I never knew just how much I needed to be fully seen and heard. I never knew how much I needed to be validated. And I never knew how amazing it could feel when that happens.”
Read Amanda’s story in full via SharePoint.
Talk about it
It is important to be mindful about the language we use when talking about our differences to help create a more inclusive environment for everyone. The following articles give some guidance on how to communicate about autism and autistic people.
Events
Autism Matters: Social Chat and Relax sessions, Wednesday 1 and 29 May
These sessions provide a chance to relax, meet other autistic students, play board games or chat to a specialist practitioner about any concerns you may have. You can join any time between 14:00 and 16:00.
Autism Matters: Careers workshop, Wednesday 15 May, 14:00-15:00
This workshop will focus on how autistic students and those awaiting a diagnosis can access career support, and how Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise can support you in your career journey.
If you are interested in either of these events and would like to find out more or book a place, please get in touch with The Student Hub.
Support and resources
- Autistic and neurodivergent students can access a variety of support via The Student Hub, including specialist study skills sessions, additional exam requirements, assistive technology, and other types of long-term support and advice. Visit the Support for neurodivergent students SharePoint page for more information about what is available.
- 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 – a registered charity dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
- Ambitious About Autism – a registered registered charity that supports autistic young people, their parents and carers.
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) – A non-profit organisation run by and for autistic people