The National Autistic Society is calling on schools, workplaces and households across the country to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Week (Monday 27 March – Sunday 2 April) to help improve understanding of autism and attitudes towards autistic people.
This year’s event has a theme of colour with supporters being invited to get involved by holding colourful fundraising events, from quizzes and bakes sales to dress down days or craft making. It follows the recent launch of our ambitious Moonshot Vision project, where we worked alongside autistic people and their families to create a vision for a society that works for them. Every penny raised during World Autism Acceptance Week will go towards making this vision a reality.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. At least one in 100 people are autistic, which means more than 700,000 people in the UK.
Christine McGuinness, Celebrity Ambassador for the National Autistic Society, said: “Autism acceptance to me means to be included, to be understood and to be celebrated. I think with all of those things, that is true acceptance.”
Autism is a spectrum condition, which means autistic people have their own strengths and varying needs, from 24-hour care to simply needing clearer communication and extra support at work and school.
Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “Almost everyone has heard of autism, but not enough people understand what it’s actually like to be autistic, both the different perspectives, passions and skills autistic people can have, and how hard life can be without the right support. Too often, autistic people and their families are undervalued, misunderstood and face discrimination at school, in the workplace and across society.
“This is why World Autism Acceptance Week is so important. It’s a chance to get society talking about autism and finding out more about what it’s like to be autistic from autistic people. Anyone can get involved and we have lots of information and free resources available on our website to help plan your fundraising events.
“It’s vital that autistic people and their families are understood, supported and accepted in their communities, schools and workplaces. Better understanding of autism across society could transform hundreds of thousands of lives.”
The National Autistic Society is launching two new events this year, the virtual Spectrum Colour Challenge and the in-person Spectrum Colour Walks. Find out more about how to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Week by visiting our website: https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money/world-autism-acceptance-week-2023
