Purple in Action: Celebrate Autism Month with Autism SA
This April, Autism SA is inviting South Australians to get curious, celebrate difference and create more inclusive communities.
Autism Month is an opportunity to recognise that people experience and interpret the world in many different ways. These differences strengthen our schools, workplaces, communities and relationships.
As Australia’s longest-standing autism peak body, Autism SA has been championing inclusion since 1964.
This year we are launching Purple in Action, a campaign encouraging individuals, workplaces, schools and community groups to take small actions that spark curiosity and celebrate diverse ways of thinking.
Through simple activities and shared reflections, Purple in Action invites people across South Australia to explore how different perspectives help create stronger, more inclusive communities.
Two Ways to Get Involved
Host a Purple Lunch
Workplaces, schools, community groups and organisations can host a 30-minute Purple Lunch during April.
A Purple Lunch brings people together for a short and engaging activity that explores perspective, curiosity and different ways of thinking through simple games and conversation.
Participants are encouraged to:
- Wear purple
- Take part in short team activities
- Reflect on the value of diverse perspectives
- Make a voluntary donation to support Autism SA’s work
Purple Lunches are designed to be easy to host and accessible for any group, whether in an office, classroom, club meeting or community space.
Take the 30 Days of Curiosity Challenge
Individuals can also take part in the 30 Days of Curiosity Challenge throughout April.
Each day participants are encouraged to pause and notice something interesting, beautiful or intriguing in the world around them.
Participants can:
- Notice something different each day
- Share a photo or reflection on social media using #PurpleInAction
- Donate $1 per day ($30 total) to support Autism SA
The challenge encourages people to slow down, observe the world differently and appreciate the many ways people experience their surroundings.
Organisations and individuals who participate in the Purple in Action campaign to support Autism SA’s vision — that every autistic person lives the life they choose in an inclusive society — will go into the draw to win a $500 Pet Photography voucher through Photographyroom.
Why it matters?
Autistic people continue to face barriers to participation in employment, education and community life.
For more than 60 years, Autism SA has worked alongside the community to advocate for inclusion, provide trusted information and support autistic people and families across South Australia.
Campaigns like Purple in Action help spark conversations, build understanding and encourage communities to recognise the strengths that come from different ways of thinking.
Small actions can create meaningful change.
This Autism Awareness Month, join us and help turn awareness into action.
Get curious.
Celebrate difference.
Create welcome.
Purple Lunch
30 Days of Curiosity Challenge
Additional Resources
The Spectrum
The Spectrum is a free online resource that helps to answer questions about autism, and explains many facts and common misconceptions around diagnosis, communication, emotions and more. You can use this website to increase your understanding of autism, or share it with others.
The resource is developed and maintained by Autism SA.
Autism Friendly Charter
The Autism Friendly Charter is a free online learning platform and inclusive business directory that was developed by Autism SA in partnership with autistic individuals and their families to assist businesses, organisations and venues to build understanding, awareness, inclusivity and capacity.
Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood
Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood is a self-paced, online, life-skills resource.
The resource consists of ten life-skills modules, which you can access at your own pace in a secure, safe and fun online environment that allows you to choose your own adventure!
These modules have been produced by autistic people and professionals, to support autistic adults to achieve their goals.
Neuro-inclusive Recruiting
We are proud to have just launched the exciting new Neuro-Inclusive Recruiting Resources – a free digital toolkit designed to support employers to confidently recruit and support neurodivergent employees. By making hiring practices more inclusive, we create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Stories from our community
David’s story
“My name is David and I have been enjoying a nearly 17-year career as an employee at Autism SA. Outside of work, I am married with two children and on the weekends, I enjoy umpiring Aussie Rules Football during winter and cricket during summer.”
Charlie’s story – an entrepreneur
“Charlie spoke to us about his journey creating a small business, the importance of inclusion, and encouraging other businesses to consider inclusive practice and products.”
My brother Tom
“Hannah Neale is a 25-year-old professional whose younger brother, Tom, was diagnosed with autism when they were children, we spoke to Hannah about her personal experience.”