Autism Hampshire celebrates a successful Autism Acceptance Week 2025

7th April 2025

Individuals, families, workplaces, and local businesses came together across Hampshire to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week 2025.

Showing their support for autistic people, understanding, and acceptance, events included an art exhibition and auction in Fareham, alongside a county-wide Wear Purple for Autism Acceptance initiative on World Autism Awareness Day.

Thanks to generous donations from local artists and the support of Café Lamma’z, the Art Auction & Exhibition was a huge success, raising funds and awareness.

The event also welcomed a special guest - the Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Pal Hayre, who showed her support for the campaign.

At the event, Cheryl Claxton, Head of Community Services at Autism Hampshire, highlighted the importance of this campaign: "This year, as we celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, our focus has been on promoting and encouraging genuine acceptance and understanding of what it means to be autistic. This work is something we are proud to be dedicated to all year round as part of our mission to create a better future for autistic people.

“Through the high-quality services we provide, we enable individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives. We want to challenge misconceptions and celebrate neurodiversity in a way that emphasises positive change within local communities."

A week of impact and engagement

As well as the art event, throughout the week, Autism Hampshire hosted a series of other activities designed to raise awareness, spark conversations, and encourage action in support of autistic people.

This included an interactive online Myths or Facts Quiz - helping to dispel common misconceptions about autism and improve public understanding; an Ask Our Experts Webinar where their expert training team addressed questions asked by the public; and a day to Wear Purple for Autism Acceptance.

The quiz and webinar remain available on Autism Hampshire’s website, allowing more people to access these valuable resources beyond Autism Acceptance Week.

Together the activities are expected to raise more than £500 for the charity which is based in Whiteley with more than 50 years experience.

Community support

The campaign gained fantastic media coverage, with interviews featured on Express FM and That's TV Hampshire, helping to spread the message of autism acceptance even further.

Autism Hampshire would like to extend a huge thank you to all the colleagues, volunteers, artists and supporters who made this week such a success.

While Autism Acceptance Week has come to an end, Autism Hampshire’s work continues year-round to advocate for and support autistic people.

To get involved, access resources, or learn more about their ongoing initiatives, visit: www.autismhampshire.org.uk.