Autism Acceptance Month

As we begin April, we’d like to acknowledge Autism Acceptance Month - a time to continue building understanding, celebrating neurodiversity, and strengthening inclusive practices across our school.

Autism Acceptance Month encourages us to move beyond awareness and think more deeply about what it means to genuinely value and include autistic individuals in everyday ways. At Essendon North Primary School, we recognise that every student brings their own strengths, perspectives, and ways of thinking. These differences are an important part of what makes our community what it is.

Inclusion at ENPS is part of our everyday practice. This might look like personalised learning, visual supports, flexible seating, quiet spaces, or everyday adjustments that support students to engage in ways that work best for them. We work closely with families through Student Support Group (SSG) and Learning Support Group (LSG) meetings, alongside allied health professionals, to ensure support are consistent, purposeful, and responsive, maximising the potential of every individual.

Sharing stories that celebrate neurodiversity

One simple way to support this learning at home is through conversation. Talking about difference and inclusion helps build understanding over time. Books can be a great starting point, and we encourage families to explore stories that celebrate neurodiversity in positive, strengths-based ways. Some suggestions include:

• All Brains Are Different: highlights how every brain works in its own way, supporting identity and acceptance.

• Some Brains: A Book Celebrating Neurodiversity: an engaging and accessible celebration of brain diversity.

• The Brain Forest: explores different ways of thinking and builds empathy.

• The Rainbow Brain: a colourful introduction to being both autistic and ADHD.

• Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes: shares inspiring real-life figures through the eyes of a young autistic child.

While Autism Acceptance Month provides an opportunity to pause and reflect, this work continues every day at ENPS. We remain committed to creating a school where every student feels safe, supported, and has a strong sense of belonging.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home, helping children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and understand that everyone belongs. Further resources that can support this important learning can be found here.

Serena Walker

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader