Autism Week is an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of those on the autism spectrum. Helping educate others about the challenges and strengths of autistic people.

Held annually around Autism Acceptance Day, this is a global event dedicated to raising awareness, understanding and acceptance. The week also provides an opportunity to encourage conversation around neurodiversity more widely.

Within East Sussex, the Autism Partnership Board works year-round to help autistic people and their carers lead more fulfilling and rewarding lives. As part of their work, and in response to feedback during last year’s Autism Week celebrations, they have developed the All-Age Autism Action Plan, an important step in progressing the support available locally for people with autism.

The plan has been co-produced with people with lived experience, alongside representatives from East Sussex County Council, the NHS and the independent sector, including wellbeing, education and employment providers.

Crucially, it has been informed by the voices of autistic people, their families and carers. As a result of their feedback, the action plan focuses on improving three key areas:

  • Improving the health and wellbeing of autistic people
  • Improving access to education and supporting positive transitions into adulthood for autistic children and young people.
  • Supporting autistic people into employment and helping them sustain their employment

The plan sets out 26 clear actions that came out of feedback from last year’s survey results. So, whether you have autism, or are supporting someone such as a friend, family member or colleague with autism. Please have a look at the plan to see what impact it will have on you.

A difference, not a deficit

For those who aren’t autistic, unhelpful societal ideas can make it seem like a problem that needs to be fixed.

Our previous article, reconsidering the autism narrative, details how we can better understand, listen to, and support the autistic community.

Local resources   

Help is available for autistic people or those who have family members or close friends who are.  Here are just a couple of local organisations that can offer support.

East Sussex 1Space has a whole host of details for organisations, charities, support groups and activities geared towards, and tailored to, people with autism of all ages. From horseriding to autism-friendly cinema screenings, and parenting support to personal assistants, check out what’s available in your area.

The East Sussex Local Offer is a website and directory which provides information about what support is available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and their families.

SEND East Sussex is an ESCC service for parents and carers and publicises supporting materials and useful resources on its Facebook page.

Amaze is a local charity helping to guide parents and carers through the ‘maze’ of bringing up a child with special educational needs or disabilities. Amaze offer a neurodiversity support service for families with children or young people under 25 before and after assessment for neurodevelopmental differences including autism, ADHD and Tourette’s.

Aspens provides care and support to autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and their families.

There are also local carer organisations, to support the families of autistic people:

Nationwide support

Nationally, the National Autistic Society provides a range of support and useful resources for autistic people and families. It has recently produced the ‘Know Yourself’ series of videos, pdfs and worksheets, to support autistic teenagers in understanding what being autistic means to them.

The resources have been co-produced with autistic young people and feature many talking about their own experiences and what has helped them. There is also a guide highlighting additional resources that can be accessed by anyone supporting autistic young people.

The National Autistic Society is also running a free webinar called ‘Unlocking Potential: an Introduction to Autism in the Workplace’. The webinar takes place on 15 April at 5 pm and you can register to attend here.

Another key national website is Ambitious About Autism, which champions the rights of autistic children and helps create opportunities for them.

Autism Education Trust supports professionals working with autistic children and young people.

How you can take part and support Autism Week  

  • Post or share helpful content promoting the week on your social media to help educate others about autism, including addressing common misconceptions and being mindful of language. NHS Sussex has developed a language guide with a helpful glossary