Autism Awareness Month

Every year, Autism Awareness Month is celebrated in April. Autism is a neurodivergent disability – it is a spectrum which affects everyone differently, making every autistic person unique.

Here’s our top tips to be autism-friendly:

• Work with the individual and make sure you are communicating in a way that works for them 
• Break down information into steps or smaller chunks to prevent the individual from getting overwhelmed or confused
• Use simple language – try to avoid using sarcasm or idioms 
• Be mindful of the effect autistic shutdowns or meltdowns can have on an autistic person and how to provide support through one of these
• Try to provide a sensory-friendly environment – this could include access to tools like fidget toys, ear defenders dim lights and a quiet space
• Establish routine where possible and try to inform an autistic person of any change to that routine ahead of schedule

If you are autistic, remember that you are amazing and it’s okay to be different! Here’s our top 5 tips to embrace your autism:

• Believe in yourself and know your worth
• Try not to compare yourself to others – everyone is on their own journey
• It’s okay to have a bad day, look after yourself and do things that make you happy, remember tomorrow is a new day
• If you feel overwhelmed, there is help and support out there, don’t be afraid to reach out
•  Be aware of your own needs – advocate for them and prioritise yourself when necessary

If you want to find out more about autism, take a look at these websites and blogs:

https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

https://hub.kids.org.uk/

https://www.autism.org.uk/

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/autism-and-mental-health/

https://www.iwill.org.uk/having-my-voice-heard-this-world-autism-day-by-troy/

This was a collaborative post written by #iWill Ambassadors Troy, Eden, Theo & Casey 🙂