Be an ally this April: Planning for Autism Acceptance Month 2026 begins

21st January 2026

Autism Hampshire’s plans for Autism Acceptance Month 2026 have been revealed with a powerful message for communities across the region: Know More. Do More. Be an Ally.

This year’s campaign encourages everyone - colleagues, partners, supporters, and the wider public - to play an active role in creating a more inclusive world for autistic people.

Every year, Autism Hampshire highlights the experiences of autistic people and the small everyday changes that can make a big difference.

The 2026 theme builds on this by inviting people not just to learn about being autistic, but to take meaningful action in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Being an autism ally is about learning, listening and taking action that supports autistic people in everyday life.

Throughout the month, Autism Hampshire will share a range of opportunities for people to get involved, understand more, and show their support.

A Day of Purple - Thursday 2 April

Autism Hampshire will kick off the month with a burst of colour as supporters, services, partners, people we support, and community groups come together to go purple.

People are invited to wear purple, decorate their workplaces, clubs, or shops, or host a purple‑themed activity to show they are an autism ally.

You can also choose to donate - whether it’s £1 to wear purple, hosting a purple bake‑off or fundraising activity. Every donation helps support autistic people and their families.

Sensory experience

To deepen people’s understanding of what it is like to be autistic, Autism Hampshire will be sharing sensory experience tools that help people explore aspects of sensory processing differences.

These resources offer a powerful opportunity to learn through experience rather than information alone, helping to create stronger, more informed allies.

London Marathon allies

Five amazing runners are taking on the London Marathon in support of Autism Hampshire.

Throughout the month, we will share their stories, motivations, and what being an autism ally means to each of them.

Autism‑inclusive recruitment

An opportunity to highlight what an autism‑inclusive recruitment journey looks like and encourage organisations to adopt similar best practices.

From reasonable adjustments to recent success stories, this will demonstrate how removing barriers can help more neurodivergent people access meaningful employment.

Know More. Do More. Be an Ally.

Autism Hampshire is calling on everyone to get involved - whether through learning, taking part in activities, fundraising, or sharing resources.

Free resources will be available to download here as well as useful updates on how else you can get involved.