World Autism Acceptance Week

World Autism Acceptance Week takes place from the 2 - 8 April 2024, and is observed globally to raise awareness about autism, as well as to advocate for the rights of people with autism. This year’s theme is ‘Be Kind to Different Minds’. 

Autism is lifelong and affects the social and communication centre of the brain. It also affects the way an individual relates to people, social situations and the immediate environment. Many autistic individuals have difficulty processing everyday sensory information like sight, smells, touch, taste and sound. 

The two main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are: 

• Social communication and reciprocal social interactions. 
• Restricted, repetitive and inflexible patterns of behaviour (including sensory processing differences). 

As autism is a spectrum condition, it will affect people in different ways depending on the individual. It is important to understand how each individual with autism is impacted in these areas, to enable effective support. 

Autistic individuals process information in different ways, and this can also result in great strengths. For example, many autistic people have a very deep focus and attention to detail and can problem solve in a different way leading to new, innovative ways of working. It is important to get to know each individual’s strengths and differences, so that you can be person-centred, inclusive and supportive. 

Autism NI have created awareness webinars such as Autism Awareness, Autism and Education, Autism and Employment and Autism in the Community. To access these webinars, click here.    

For additional resources and information to help you support an autistic individual, contact Autism NI Helpline on 02890 401 729 and select option 1. Autistic adults, parents, family members, and professionals use this service to seek access to other services, resources, advice, and information on a wide range of issues related to autism pre and post diagnosis.