World Autism Acceptance Week 2024
World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April) and World Autism Acceptance Week (2nd - 8th April)
World Autism Acceptance Week takes place from 2nd April - 8th April, beginning with World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April!
The week is an opportunity to highlight awareness and education around autism. The observance was declared initially by the United Nations to highlight the need to help improve quality of life for those with autism, enabling individuals to lead full and meaningful lives, as an integral part of society.
Autism is considered a spectrum condition, meaning it affects each individual differently, and one individual's needs are not the same as the next. However, it is no longer considered helpful to think of autism as a linear spectrum - many people identify more with a ‘wheel’ approach (see image below by @autism_sketches for an example!), which more accurately depicts how areas of the autistic experience can be different for each individual.
Regardless, autistic people encounter discrimination and obstacles in various aspects of society, including healthcare, education, and employment.
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading autism charity and provides a wealth of information, advice and guidance around autism, and leads yearly campaigns for Autism Acceptance Week. 
Source: @autism_sketches on Instagram
Neurodiversity Staff Group
The Neurodiversity Staff Group is a space for staff to connect and discuss neurodiversity issues in the workplace, including supportive strategies and approaches to managing neurodiversity, consult with the University, and access peer support. If you would like to join, please contact one of our Co-Chairs (Simon Kelly and Erika Montgomery) or fill out this Microsoft Form.
Role Model Profile - Richard Humphrey, Mental Health Adviser
Read Richard's Role Model profile below to find out more about experiences of autism and why representation is important!
Firstly, if you could tell us a little bit about yourself!
I work as a Mental Health Adviser in Student Wellbeing. I was only diagnosed autistic late last year at the age of 42 and this has taken some time to process - I am also having further assessment for ADHD. I am now seeing the various difficulties I have experienced in the past through a different lens and have found my diagnosis has allowed me to be a lot kinder to myself. For example, I work in delivering therapeutic interventions to students and was always frustrated about how those strategies didn't seem to work with certain aspects of my own life, and now I get why! Aside from work and being autistic, I have a wife and two children and in my spare time enjoy creating artwork, photography and going to gigs with my friends.
Why do you think it’s important to have autism and neurodivergent ‘role models’ in the workplace?
I think it helps reduce the stigma of being neurodivergent as it hasn't been as widely recognised in the past. For me, speaking to others via the Neurodiversity Group who understand and have had similar experiences has made me feel like being autistic isn't something to feel negatively about. In fact, it has helped me to love who I am and accept that whilst I am different to ‘neurotypical’ people I can still do my job and function just like anyone else. I wouldn't have been able to disclose to others that I was autistic without knowing others at work.
How easy is it to be open about your identity working at the University?
As it is relatively new to me, I was initially worried about 'outing' myself to colleagues but they have all been extremely supportive. I am not sure I would be at this stage in finding my identity if it hadn't been received the way it has at work - perhaps one of the benefits of working in a team that supports peoples' wellbeing! My line manager has been particularly supportive, helping me receive some aids that assist with my day to day activities such as headphones and earplugs.
How does your identity affect your experiences in the workplace?
I am lucky in that I feel that I can do my job without many reasonable adjustments, but one thing that I do need is my own space between seeing students and my colleagues are now able to understand that I need my lunch breaks to have a breather and socialising at work over lunch is often too much for me. I am relieved that they no longer think I am just being antisocial or don't like them, because they are a fantastic group of people!
What can allies do in the workplace to make the environment more inclusive?
Firstly, I think it is important to recognise that being autistic is very different for each individual - what might overwhelm me (such as too many different noises at once) wouldn't phase someone else and vice versa. Secondly, I would encourage people to have conversations about what might help, whether it is just not being offended if your work mate doesn't join you for lunch etc!
What advice would you give to other staff who may be facing challenges in the workplace because they are autistic?
I would like to think that having a conversation with your line manager should help as it allowed me to consider whether I needed any reasonable adjustments making. Aside from that, I would also encourage staff to join the neurodiversity group and maybe meet up with other people who understand what being autistic is like so you don't feel as isolated in the workplace. I am more than happy to meet for a coffee when I am on campus!
Thank you to Richard for sharing these experiences and insights for us!