Join us from 2nd to 8th April to support World Autism Acceptance Week

Autism charities around the world are taking part in Autism Acceptance Week from Tuesday 2nd to Monday 8th April with the aim of increasing acceptance and creating a society that works for autistic adults, children, and their families.

Your experiences

Here at Autism Hampshire, this year it's all about you. We are sharing your experiences and hearing how you've accepted autism in your lives.

We’ve been speaking to parents, leaders and artists about what autism means to them. We think they're inspirational and hopefully you will too.

• Sue's experience: After a decade of denial, Sue has finally accepted she is autistic and, with it, she has gained an understanding that her artwork doesn’t need to fit in with someone else’s ideals. Watch the video or read about her experience here.
• H's experience: Like so many autistic people, H struggled to find their place in the workplace and wrestled with the idea that things had to be done in a certain way. But as a self-employed proofreader, H has carved their own path and hopes sharing their experience will help others to realise their own potential. Read about their experience here.
  
• A parent's experience: As a mum of two young autistic boys, Laura’s* experience is instantly recognisable by so many parents. Here is a short insight into the most recent part of her and her family’s journey.
  
• A volunteer's experience: Rebecca* first joined the Serendipity Community Groups as a member but, as her confidence grew, she offered to help out as a volunteer. Click here to read how community groups have helped one woman find her ‘tribe’.
  

Share the acceptance

Are you supporting Autism Acceptance Week? Could your experience help others? Help share the acceptance by posting your support or experience on social media.

We have created a few ideas to get you started. Click on the below images to download them and use them on your social media pages.

Events and activities

Arts and crafts displays

Based in or around Southampton? Thanks to our partners at MAST Mayflower Studios and Southampton Art Gallery, there will be two displays in the city centre celebrating Autism Acceptance Week.

The displays will run all week and have been created by members of our Serendipity Community Groups.

Read more about the Southampton City Gallery exhibition here.

We'll also be putting up displays of your arts and crafts at our charity shop in Fareham and at our head office in Whiteley.

Let's talk about autism

On Friday 5th April, our expert external trainers took over our Facebook page to discuss autism.

Specialist trainers Dave Serpell-Stevens and Victoria Orsini drew on their own experiences to tackle those common questions.

A summary of the discussions is available here.

Let's get quizzy

Introducing our Serendipity Community Groups' special interest quiz.

We are celebrating people's passions by pulling all of their special interests into a quiz. This will be your chance to learn lots of fascinating new facts and maybe find a new fascination.

Explore the answers at the end. Did you discover something unexpected? Let us know! https://ow.ly/5Jve50R97XK