Autism Acceptance Month is a chance for everyone to become more aware and understanding of autistic individuals and the challenges they often face in their day-to-day lives.
Autism Acceptance Month is an important awareness-raising campaign that takes place annually in the UK every April. It aims to promote acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of autistic individuals in society.
Autism Acceptance Month helps to promote awareness and understanding of autism, which can lead to increased acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals in society. By raising awareness of the challenges faced by autistic individuals, we can work to create a more accepting and understanding society.
Autism Acceptance Month is also an opportunity to celebrate the strengths and abilities of autistic individuals. Many autistic individuals have unique talents and skills that are often overlooked or undervalued. By celebrating these strengths and abilities, we can help to create a more positive and inclusive view of autism.
Autism Acceptance Month can also help to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. Many people have a limited understanding of what autism is and what it means to be autistic. By providing accurate information and challenging stereotypes, we can work to create a more informed and accepting society.
"By celebrating Autism Acceptance Month, we are challenging the misinformation surrounding Autism that is so prevalent across the world today and encouraging for a more positive message and approach that comes directly from Autistic people. All too often, Autistic people are infantilised, misunderstood, not allowed to self-advocate, and written off, even when more than capable. It is high time to change the misconceptions and stereotypes of Autism and bring the truth to light."
Dr Frankie Doddato, Co-Chair of the LU Disabled Employees Network
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We asked some of our staff to recommend some resources, blogs, podcasts and communities. Below are a few of their suggestions.
Niraj Shah is a graduate from the University of Warwick, having studied for an Integrated Master's Degree in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics.
In February 2023, he joined us at Lancaster University as a panellist for a session focused around Inspired Global Networks: The Power of Neurodiversity, facilitated by Lancaster University's Management School.
Niraj currently works as an investment consultant, and runs his own blog online, 'Autism and Me', covering topics including his personal experiences of Autism, and how individual employees can support neurodivergent employees in the workplace.
Read Niraj's blogTalisha Cree Johnson, a Royal Television Society (2020) nominated TV creative, known professionally as Tee Cee, is a TV Producer & Presenter, Writer-Director and Author who made her writer-director debut on her short film 'Too Autistic for Black' commissioned by Warner Bros Discovery, for Black History Month 2022.
Receiving a late diagnosis at the age of 27 prompted Tee Cee to pay attention to the lack of research, resources and support for black autistic people. Navigating the creative industries with Autism has been difficult, with many ups and downs, but Tee Cee used her natural creative skills to develop a range of concepts and ideas for broadcast.
Tee Cee worked for the BAFTA award-winning Children’s Channel CBBC as a TV Presenter and Digital Researcher - her work included presenting on three CBBC TV shows and winning x5 commissions for BBC Children’s YouTube originals (CBBC & CBeebies).
Listen to Tee Cee's podcastAt 24 years old, Elizabeth Bonker already has a resume to which most would only aspire. The social innovation major, English minor, and 2022 valedictorian is an author, activist, lyricist, and founder of the non-profit Communication 4 ALL.
She’s given a TEDMED talk, starred in a documentary, and helped countless others find their voices. And she did it all without speaking a word. Bonker is affected by non-speaking autism and communicates solely by typing, and she has a lot to say, especially about the ways people like her are perceived.
A recent panellist at the Neurodiversity Awareness Week, she brings her experience to the stage with her Valedictorian speech at the Rollins College Commencement. Hear from Bonker in her own words about her trials and triumphs and the impact Rollins has had on her life.
Watch Elizabeth's speechI Am Paying Attention is an online community for those with ADHD and/or Autism. They offer a massive range of resources, training and opportunities to meet their community.
"Wherever you are at in your ADHD or autistic journey we have an entire library of resources for members to help you unpack & support yourself. From self-discovery workbooks to planners, our library is our way of holding your hand through a somewhat confusing process. If you need a little extra support you can also join our body doubling or our discord where we all support each other. Neurodivergence can be confusing, you don’t need to navigate it alone!"
I Am Paying AttentionNeurodivergent in STEM are a project increasing the visibility of neurodivergent people in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and STEM-related fields. They intend to provide the next generation with role models they can relate to, facilitate connections, and share best practices to help make STEM more inclusive for neurominorities.
Neurodivergent in STEM