Let’s learn about autism

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Do you know what autism is?  Autism Acceptance week (27th March – 2nd April) this year is looking at how you can improve your understanding and acceptance of autistic young people.

Image that shows the words "we are all different" with stick figures in various bright colours, some with their arms up and some with their arms down. The Autism Trust logo is in the top right corner.

What is neurodiversity?

 

  • Neurodiversity is about recognising that everyone’s brain works differently
  • Differences in the way our brains work means that we have different strengths and different difficulties
  • Some of these differences have been given names or labels
  • Examples are autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette’s

Image that shows the words "brains are all different" with brains in various bright colours, some with thought lines coming from them to depict thoughts coming from different parts of the brain. The Autism Trust logo is in the top right corner.

What is autism?

 

  • Autism means that someone’s brain works a little differently
  • You can’t see if someone is autistic – it is an invisible condition
  • Each autistic person is different
  • Autistic people have different strengths and need help with different things

Info graffic that shows some differences present in autistic people. There is an icon of a person in green that says "social understanding and communication" beneath it and elaborated with the words "some autistic people find using words difficult". The second image from the left shows a person in red and the words "flexibility, information processing and understanding" beneath it and elaborated with the words "some autistic people get upset by changes to their daily routine". The third graphic shows a person in blue with the words "sensory processing and integration" and elaborated with the words "some autistic people get overwhelmed by loud noises, strong smells or bright lights". The Autism Trust logo is in the top right corner.

Watch What is autism by Ambitions about Autism Youth patrons and listen to Bella’s poem.

 

While you’re expanding your mind, be sure to check out the Autism Myths and Stereotypes Quiz  on the site as well.

 

What can you do to help?

 

Hear young people share their lived experience to understand what you can do to help autistic young people in your school.

 

We all learn in different ways, like and dislike different things, and respond differently to things such as noise, smells and temperature. Understanding your own and other people’s needs and strengths helps you to recognise the different skills you all bring and to adapt and be inclusive of others. Things to think about include:

  • what people appreciate about me
  • my hobbies and interests
  • my skills and strengths
  • how to support me

 

You can help raise awareness by taking part in this year’s fundraising activities. The theme for 2023 is colour, and the National Autistic Society has a new virtual challenge, the Spectrum Colour Challenge and lots of ideas to get your fundraising off to a colourful start.

 

You can find further information in the National Autistic Society website.

 

You can also direct parents and teachers to the Autism Education Trust and Children and Families Health Devon where they can find information, guidance, and training to support autistic young people at home and at school.

Have your say

 

Help us improve the local information on this website and give us feedback about any contacts you have had with our service by completing the Devon Public Health Nursing feedback form.

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