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April marks Autism Acceptance Month, which not only raises awareness and understanding for autistic people, but advocates for a world where autistic people are accepted and included.
Many of our students at Seashell are autistic, and we believe that every autistic person should have the space to thrive and reach their full potential. We’ve been Autism Accredited with the National Autistic Society for a number of years, receiving ‘Advanced Status’ across the Trust. This means that our services are deemed to provide highly creative and very personalised support to enable each autistic person to achieve positive outcomes.
During this month we have attended a number of events in the local area to promote our support, training and activities. Our Lead Autism Practitioner, Joe Booker, said:
“Autistic people have strengths and difficulties, just as neurotypical people do. No state of being is the best; just different. We all benefit from the existence of neurodiversity and the fact should be embraced and celebrated.”
Here are our top tips to help facilitate a neurodiverse inclusive environment:
- Understand that everyone is different
If you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person. Autism is a spectrum condition, which means each person can have very different experiences. - Consider sensory differences
Autistic people experience sensory information in different ways. They might be sensitive to sounds, smells, or bright lights, or they may seek out more of these sensory experiences. - Think about how you are communicating
Lots of verbal information can be overwhelming. Visual support such as written information or pictures can help with understanding and reducing anxiety around communication. - Find creative ways to interact
Just because a person doesn’t interact in the way you might be used to, doesn’t mean they don’t want to at all! Join a person in their activities and socialise in the way that they would like to. - Celebrate differences
Autism is a difference, not a deficit. There are some things that autistic people might find more difficult but they will also have a great many strengths. Work to these strengths and interests!