April is Autism Month
Autism Month is about raising awareness, acceptance and inclusion of autism. More than 205,000 Australians are autistic and 1 in 4 Australians have a family member on the autism spectrum.
At Autism SA, our vision is for every individual on the autism spectrum to live the life they choose in an inclusive society. Throughout April, Autism SA raises awareness and shares resources, inclusive initiatives, personal stories, tips and celebrates our incredible community.
While these things are important all year round, April is an opportunity to further spread the message, and you can help!
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is a day sanctioned by the United Nations (UN) that recognises and celebrates the rights of people on the autism spectrum. The United Nations General Assembly, in 2008, unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day as a way to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of people with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. Each year the UN creates a theme for the world to reflect on for that day.
You can learn more about this theme on the United Nations website here.
How to participate
There are many different ways you can participate in Autism Month, including:
- Sharing information about Autism Month on social media
- Join our Autism Month fitness challenge and do 60 a day for Autism SA
- Putting Autism Month posters up in your workplace, school or community centre
- Use our ‘Wear Purple for Autism’ flyers to get your school, workplace or team involved by wearing purple in support of an inclusive society this April
- Fundraising for Autism SA
- Making a donation
Fundraise for Autism SA
Fundraising makes a huge difference to the work of Autism SA and its support for individuals on the autism spectrum in Australia.
As the peak body for Autism in South Australia, there are many things we do to support the community that we rely on donations to fund. This includes our advocacy work with businesses and government to make South Australia a more inclusive state. Through this work we’ve partnered with the Adelaide Fringe to support artists and venues to provide Autism friendly shows, and we’ve trained Fringe volunteers to be able to better understand and support the Autistic community. We’ve also worked with Drakes supermarkets to help them introduce Quiet Time shopping hours.
We also rely on donations to help us maintain our free online resources and keep them up-to-date – this includes The Spectrum, The Autism Friendly Charter and the Autistics’ Guide to Adulthood.
Donations also help us provide our mobile sensory zone at community events, which ensures Autistic people have a safe, welcoming space to regulate and continue to enjoy the event with everyone else.
There are a range of different and fun ways you can fundraise during April, such as:
- A gold coin donation day at your school or workplace
- Hosting a picnic or BBQ fundraiser
- Collect donations at your cafe or business
- Hosting a quiz night
- Joining our 60 for Autism SA fitness fundraiser
- Much more!
If you would like to create your own fundraiser for Autism SA, please fill out the Application to Conduct a Fundraising Activity form and we can provide you with a letter of authority to fundraise, as well as provide you with support on your fundraising journey.
Application to Conduct a Fundraising ActivityMake a donation
Donate Now
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.
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.”
Social media and print resources