This week (2 – 8 April 2024) is officially world autism acceptance week! So, why is this week important? Autistic children and adults frequently face discrimination, isolation and barriers all across society. Autistic children frequently struggle to access education. Autistic adults are more likely to be unemployed. People with autism are more likely to have chronic and physical health conditions and it can be difficult for autistic people to access healthcare for a wide variety of reasons.
It’s now 2024 and things have to change. “It is crucial that autistic people, and their families and carers, can access tailored information, guidance and support to overcome those barriers, along with opportunities to explore their interests, develop skills and build friendships for fulfilled lives.” (autism.org).
However, these barriers are not simply personal – they are systemic and therefore the system needs to change. We need to live in a world where neurodiversity is not only accepted, but celebrated. Where being neurotypical isn’t seen as “normal” and anything otherwise is not. We need to live in a world that caters for neurotypicals AND neurodiverse alike.
We as a company are still learning, but we continue to educate ourselves around neurodiverse affirming care and how we can be part of the change to the system. If you have any feedback for us, please do let us know and contact us here.
If you’d like to get involved with fundraising or raising awareness, then check out autism.org here.
