Sir Robert Buckland MP is sharing some simple ways in which we can all promote autism acceptance as part of World Autism Acceptance Week 2023 (27th March 2023 - 2nd April 2023).
Championed by the National Autistic Society, World Autism Acceptance Week aims to increase acceptance and create a society that works for autistic people.
The tips below have been put together by the charity Neurodiversity In Business, who Sir Robert works closely with as part of his ongoing campaign to close the employment gap for autistic people and those with other neurodivergent needs:
Remember: No one ‘looks’ autistic. It’s not a compliment to be told somebody 'doesn’t look autistic'.
Don’t stare/point/laugh at children in distress. An autistic meltdown is not a tantrum or attention seeking.
"Nonspeaking” does not mean “non-thinking”, “non-feeling” or “non-understanding”.
Remember that there are many positives! There is a truly unique joy in a child who has such pure intentions.
Encourage your child to befriend the kid in class who has no friends. Explain that children whose brains are built differently are different, not less.
Support our growth and our small victories. Cheer with us as we celebrate little milestones!
Autistic children become autistic adults – learn from autistic adults and take actions to be a better ally.
Support autistic adults into your workplace. The employment gap for autistic people is shocking, and businesses can do better at pro-actively hiring autistic talent.
Sir Robert Buckland said:
“During my time as an MP, I have campaigned hard for the rights of those with autism and other neurodivergent individuals, and I am proud to have recently been elected as the Chair of the All- Party Parliamentary Group on Autism.
I work closely with Neurodiversity in Business, an excellent charity, which has been set up to improve the life chances of neurodivergent employees.
Neurodiversity in Business is successfully bringing businesses together, to collaborate and fully focus on the topic of neurodiversity, for their benefit, for the benefit of neurodivergent employees, and also for the benefit of society as a whole.
Further information about World Autism Acceptance Week can be found here: https://www.autism.org.uk/
For Further information about Neurodiversity in Business please visit https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/
You can find out more about Sir Robert Buckland MP’s ongoing work to close the employment gap for autistic people and those with other neurodivergent needs on his website here: https://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/news/south-swindon-mp-calls-all-businesses-join-charity-neurodiversity-business
