World Autism Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate Autism as well as encouraging awareness and education

 

Taking place from 27 March – 2 April 2023, World Autism Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of autism as well as fundraise for much needed support, resources, and services for those with autism.

 

The theme of World Autism Awareness Week in 2023 is colour, and we have a new virtual challenge, the Spectrum Colour Challenge; a new in-person event, the Spectrum Colour Walks; and lots of ideas to get your fundraising off to a colourful start. 

 

As well as increasing knowledge of autistic children and adults the weeklong campaign aims to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism by welcoming neurodivergent skills into educational institutions, workplaces, communities, and society as a whole.

 

Within the week, World Autism Day is celebrated on 2 April 2023. The day which started in 2007 is 1 of the 7 health-specific UN days.

 

Why is raising awareness of autism important?

1 in every 100 UK school children is autistic. Without the appropriate support, school can be an extremely confusing and difficult place. According to the National Autistic Society, Autistic children are three times more likely to be excluded from mainstream school and more than 80% of autistic young people have experienced mental health issues.

 

Learning about autism can help to support those with autism and their family and friends. Often, a lack of understanding or knowledge on something can lead to increase stigma and discrimination.

 

What can I do to be involved with World Autism Awareness Week?

 

Educate yourself

Reading, watching, and listening to content created for and by those with autism is a great way to increase your knowledge on the disorder and help you to understand the experiences of autistic people. The National Autistic Society have loads of information about autism to get stuck into. Why not test your knowledge of autism spectrum disorder by taking this quiz video?

 

Share with others

Share information with your friends, family or colleagues so they can learn more about autism and the importance of World Autism Awareness Week. It can be as simple as sharing this article with them!

 

Fundraise

Research and services for autism can be expensive and without funds, can mean that autistic people may not get the support and resources that they need. Fundraising is a great way to raise awareness and money for a worthy cause.

 

Promote diversity

Remember that it’s awesome to be different! It doesn’t matter if someone thinks or interacts with the world differently to you. Plenty of autistic people through time have been successful due to supportive environments such as Anne Hegerty, Chris Peckham, Tim Burton, Albert Einstein, Greta Thunberg and Stephen Wiltshire, for example. Encourage people to be themselves, think differently and be kind to others.