Autism related news

April is World Autism Acceptance Month

The idea is for everyone to get talking with one another and foster a greater awareness and understanding of autism and autistic people.  Autistic people need to be better understood, accepted and supported.  Attitudes need to change.  Difference needs to be celebrated not scorned. We should all be doing what we can to adapt to meet the individual needs of individual people – not get them to change to be more like the majority.

What can you do to help?

Can you have conversations with friends, family and colleagues that help to encourage a better understanding of autism?

Click this National Autistic Society link for ideas, resources and activities that might help you:

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/world-autism-acceptance-month

Here are some things to get you thinking and talking

Autistic people often have skills in pattern-spotting, innovation and problem-solving. This has the potential to bring many positive benefits to humankind.  However, typically, society sees their differences as defective – and people autistic people are often expected to change to fit in.

Small changes are beginning to happen – but we need a radical shift in global thinking, to accept autism -and neurodiversity in general – as a normal and vital part of human diversity.  Society must make greater efforts to understand, accept and celebrate autism and neurodiversity – and support neurodivergent people to be their true selves and to thrive as individuals and in the community.

Myths around autism – there are many!

Click here for some myth-busting facts from Autistica

Here are some personal thoughts from our autistic staff member, Emma

Despite the challenges that being autistic brings, I have a fulfilling life with a partner, children, strong friendships, hobbies and interests – and a job I love.   This is possible as I have learned how to recognise my strengths, differences and difficulties.  And I have got better at advocating for my needs. I want to give other autistic people hope that with a greater understanding of autism, thriving is possible.

However, I know I have the advantage of being white, middle class and able to speak.  Many other neurodivergent people do not have these advantages – and society needs to do much better at addressing this.

Website development survey

Here at Autism Space we are always looking for ways to improve.

We are planning some exciting improvements for the near future.

We want to make sure you can find all the information you need about important autism related topics and support services as easily as possible.

We will work together with colleagues who support people with learning disabilities, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.  We also want to make sure there is information and advice available on these topics too.

We would love to hear what you think.  If you would like to share your opinions and ideas, please complete our short online survey by clicking this link:

Feedback on a new Neurodiversity and Learning Disabilities website

Would you like to shape the future of local health and care services for autistic people and people with a learning disability?

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Learning Disability and Autism Collaborative are looking for people with lived experience linked to autism and / or learning disabilities to join the stakeholder group.

They are particularly keen to hear from autistic people, people with learning disabilities – and they are also keen to hear from parents and carers of these people.

Group members will be able to work together with the Collaborative on projects related to such topics as:

• Diet and health lifestyle
• Making places in the community more accessible
• Living in the community
• Where to go for information, advice and support

If you want to get involved, click this link and fill in the form: fill in the form by

clicking here.

Many autistic people over 50 are undiagnosed - BBC News November 2024

A study of primary care records in England indicates that between 250,000 and 600,000 people over the age of 50 in England may be autistic but undiagnosed.  This suggests more than 90% of autistic people over 50 are undiagnosed.
Click the link below to read a BBC news article about Andrew Davies who had a lifetime of feeling broken and like he did not fit in – until he discovered he was autistic at the age of 70.
Autism: ‘I felt broken before being diagnosed at 70’ – BBC News

Song released for Autism Acceptance Week - April 2024

To mark world autism acceptance week Cornwall Partnership NHS trust have released a song on Spotify to promote autism acceptance. All money raised from the song ‘Welcome Home’ will go towards The Hugs Foundation.

Click here to view their press release

Click here to listen to the song on spotify

(Please note we have no affiliation with any online service and they may contain adverts)

Leicester sisters set out vision for new city café - BBC News March 2024

Two sisters are opening a café on Evington Road, Leicester. They are expanding their autism hub, which has been helping people in the city for four years. Click this link to find out more:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-68684372