This World Autism Acceptance Month (1st – 30th April), Ambitious about Autism are calling on schools, workplaces and communities to make small changes to improve the lives of autistic people.
Autistic young people are more marginalised and isolated than their peers. They are more likely to be excluded from school, struggle to feel understood and supported and have lower employment prospects than other disabled people.
The campaign, Small changes, big difference, draws on the real-life experiences of autistic young people. They have shared a variety of simple adaptations which would help them to feel more accepted and understood.
School can be difficult for autistic young people, and they are twice as likely to be excluded from school than their neurotypical peers.
Autistic young people say a variety of small changes could help them to feel more accepted in educational settings. This includes, providing quiet rooms for when school gets overwhelming, permitting noise cancelling headphones and fidget toys or spinners in class, and allowing extra times for tasks.
Many autistic young people say they would also benefit if teaching staff had a better understanding of autism, while others said an autism or neurodivergent club would help them to feel more accepted.
Less than a third of autistic people are in full or part-time employment, yet research shows 77% would like to work.
Small adjustments in employment practices and workplace environments can make a big difference to autistic people’s experience at work, and often, these adjustments are low or no cost to employers.
Autistic young people say they would benefit from clear instructions and extra support, flexible hours and a quiet space at work. Many also said they prefer to stick to routines and structures, and would like to be told in advance if a change is anticipated.
They would also like employers to recognise the value of autistic employees and what they can bring to the workplace.
Autistic people sometimes experience loneliness or bullying because they are different from their neurotypical peers. Battling stigma and stereotypes is a common problem for autistic young people, and autism awareness can help to lower the risk of discrimination.
Autistic young people say they want the general public to be less judgemental of stim toys and aids such as ear defenders, and be patient if they are using an alternative communication method.
They would also like their space to be respected and not to be expected to participate in small talk if they don’t feel comfortable.
Ambitious about Autism says these small changes can make a a big difference to the lives of autistic children and young people at school, in the workplace and in everyday life.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “We’ve asked autistic young people to share their experiences, which show that a change in attitude toward autism costs nothing.
“Making these small changes goes a long way towards helping autistic children and young people feel more accepted in all aspects of their lives, enabling them to be themselves and realise their ambitions.”
