World Autism Month

Now is the time to learn and grow together!

Throughout April, we acknowledge the strengths, achievements, and uniqueness of people on the Autism spectrum. 

The Autism Association of Western Australia (Autism WA) encourages us to join them in igniting change beyond Autism Month – learning and growing together as one community.

See how you can get involved below.

Important Dates

  • April is World Autism Month
  • April 2nd is World Autism Day

W: https://www.autism.org.au/whats-on/world-autism-month/

 

Get Involved

Autism WA encourages the community to ignite change this April by participating in an event, learning more about Autism, and visiting the Light Up the Spectrum landmarks on World Autism Day to mark this special month, with parental supervision.

Whether you are an Autistic individual, family, school, community group, or workplace, there are many ways you can help to increase awareness and understanding of Autism.

Keep reading to discover how you can start igniting change so we can grow together; and download the posters and social tiles below to share throughout the month.

 

Light Up the Spectrum

On Wednesday the 2nd of April – World Autism Day – Autism WA is partnering with buildings and landmarks across Western Australia to light up our State in a spectrum of colour, signifying that we are a diverse community where everyone is valued and has something to contribute.

More than 40 buildings and landmarks across metro and regional WA are taking part in this year’s Light Up the Spectrum. Join Autism WA in igniting change for Autism by visiting your closest landmarks and sharing a photo on social media using the hashtag #LightUpTheSpectrum.

 

The map above and link below will help you plan your pathway!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xlaxSS1UCCxC7nBvTa5Qgi7-LJdWES0&ll=-26.869774175927375%2C118.2516003&z=4

 

Please note: partnering locations’ lighting displays are independently activated. Whilst Autism WA does their best to ensure each building on their trail map lights up on World Autism Day, in unforeseen circumstances technical malfunctions may occur.

 

Learn About Autism

Together we can create an inclusive and accepting world by simply taking some time to learn and understand more about the people who make up our diverse community.

Click here to visit our What is Autism? webpage, and click hereto visit our Understand Autism webpage. 

 

Talking About Autism

When diagnosing Autism, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is used by allied health professionals and is also referred to for funding and diagnostic purposes. ‘Spectrum’ refers to the wide range of characteristics, skills and abilities that different people with Autism have.

Some people like to be referred to as an Autistic person, while others prefer the person-first approach – i.e. person with Autism. When speaking to individuals, we recommend asking which language they would prefer you to use and adjusting accordingly.

 

Autism Myth Busters

Our community is becoming more proactive in understanding Autism and learning to adapt the environment we live in to enhance Autism acceptance. 

It is important for our community to recognise the common misconceptions about Autism and deepen understanding. Explore some common misconceptions here.

 

Resource Library

Our online Resource Library contains a range of Autism-specific resources designed for navigating healthcare services, emergency situations, parents, dads and father figures, teachers, daily living, culturally and linguistically diverse families, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and more.

Click here to visit our Resource Library. 

 

Please contact Autism WA for further information, support and resources below

W: https://www.autism.org.au

P: (08) 9489 8900