Creating a world that works for Autistic people
Whether you have autism yourself, love someone who does, or want to help create a more diverse, accepting and kind community – you can participate in World Autism Month by:
- Joining social media followers who are helping to foster understanding and acceptance by sharing the diverse stories of people on the spectrum or by telling your own story.
- Inviting your colleagues, classroom and friends to join the Kindness Campaign to encourage acceptance, understanding and inclusion with daily acts of kindness at school, work or in your community.
National Autistic Society
For 60 years, the National Autistic Society has been working to raise awareness about autism in the UK.
“While almost everyone has heard of autism, too few people understand what it’s actually like to be autistic – both the strengths you can have and how hard life can be at times. No-one should feel judged for being autistic or have to wait months, or years, for a potentially life-changing diagnosis, vital help and support.”
- National Autistic Society
Autistic children, adults and their families just want to be understood, supported and accepted in their communities, schools and workplaces.
Acceptance is the key to changing attitudes and transforming lives.
What is autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses. There is a list of difficulties autistic people may share, including the two key difficulties required for a diagnosis.
The definition of autism has changed over the decades, and could change in future years as we understand more, but the main point is that autistic people and their families share many of the same challenges - whether that’s getting enough support from mental health, education and social care services or being misunderstood by people close to them.
Autism Support in Hertfordshire
National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk)
0207 833 2299 (Monday to Friday 9am-12pm and 1-3pm)
nas@nas.org.uk or visit Help and support (autism.org.uk)
NAS Hertfordshire Branch (autism.org.uk)
Suzanne Clark - Branch Chair hertfordshire@nas.org.uk
ADD-vance is a dedicated group of professionals, who also happen to be parents of children affected by ADHD and/or Autism. Based in Hertfordshire, they aim to increase understanding, provide support and change perceptions of these complex neurological conditions and improve the wellbeing of young people and their families, while reducing their social isolation.
01727 833963
Angels supports families of children with Autistic Spectrum Condition and/or ADHD. It was formed by parents whose children face similar challenges and is based in Hertfordshire.
01462 685150 (Monday to Friday 9am-12pm and 1-3pm)
