Celebrating World Autism Day

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

The message shared on World Austism Day on Sunday was that a “one-size-fits-all approach for autism is not warranted”.

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has been told the most important message is that no two autistic people are the same and that autism may not be what you think it is.

“It’s not a one-size-fits all and there is still misunderstanding and stigmatism in the public,” said Aspect chief executive Jacqui Borland.

“World Autism Understanding Day

was about celebrating the autistic community.

“But it is essential that we educate the wider public to ensure autistic people feel comfortable about disclosing their disability and are supported.

“We know that only a minority of autistic people share their diagnosis because of how it may be perceived, so we want to help people understand how to respond if a person shares they are autistic and how to create an inclusive space for them.

“One member of our focus group described life on the autism spectrum as being like a duck swimming on the water.

“On the surface, everything looks calm and easy-going, but underneath, they are working so hard to try to fit in, which can be exhausting.

“The more our wider community understands what life on the autism spectrum can feel like, the more likely it is they will know what environmental adjustments and language will make a difference for colleagues, friends, clients and relatives.”

According to research conducted by The Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) into autistic disclosure, the key responses that are helpful for the autistic person who shares their diagnosis include:

■  Make me feel welcomed and valued;

■  Thank me for sharing my autistic diagnosis;

■  Ask me how I experience autism;

■  Ask me for resources about autism;

■  Make me feel understood and heard.

Ms Borland said that building a

more inclusive environment was up to everyone.

“The onus must not sit purely on the autistic person to ‘fit in’ but creating supportive environments for neuro-divergent people is a positive step we can all take.

“This can simply start with a shift in our language and the way we respond to a disclosure.”

Following the ARCAP study into disclosure, two guides have been developed containing practical advice

for both autistic adults and non-autistic people to learn more.

They are available at https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/about-autism/our-research/our-research-program/disclosure