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Bath and North East Somerset Libraries

Autism Awareness Week


This guest article is from Sarah Keelty, Teacher: Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS) at Fosseway School, as part of our Autism Awareness Week celebrations.

Over 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.

The first step to changing the national picture around autism is raising our awareness.

It’s okay if you’re reading this and you feel you don’t know much about autism. It’s okay if you’re reading this and you don’t think you’ve ever met an autistic person. It’s okay if you’re reading this and you have met an autistic person before but felt some element of fear of the unknown. (It’s just great you’re reading this… pass it on!)

Let’s start with celebrating neurodiversity and difference

You may have heard of some of the ‘problems’ or ‘deficits’ of autism… but it’s more helpful to think in terms of the positive differences we can see:

  • Great attention to detail: thoroughness, accuracy
  • Ability to focus deeply on something: freedom from distraction
  • Observational skills: listen, look, learn, approach
  • Absorb and retain facts: excellent long term memory and recall
  • Visual skills: visual learning and recall; detail focussed
  • Expertise: in depth knowledge; high level of skills
  • Methodical approach: analytical
  • Novel approach: unique thought process; innovative solutions
  • Creativity: distinctive imagination; expression of ideas
  • Tenacity and Resilience: determination; challenge received opinions
  • Accepting of Difference: less likely to judge others; may question norms
  • Integrity: honesty, loyalty, commitment

But just like every unique human being on this planet, every experience of autism is unique. We all have our own individual blend of skills, attributes and personality traits: this is the power of neurodiversity!

Understanding and celebrating different ways of thinking can unlock the power of the autistic mind.

Ways we can kick start awareness in schools, workplaces or community groups…

  • Start discussions about how we are all different
  • Explain that autism is a hidden disability
  • Challenge stereotypes about autism: preconceived ideas about eccentric interests and meltdowns
  • Refer to positive autistic role models and the positive strengths of autism
  • Acknowledge social differences to encourage peer understanding
  • Encourage collaboration between mainstream and special schools, adult community groups and workplaces

By raising awareness around autism we can provide those perfect circumstances for autistic people to live a life where they feel noticed, valued and respected. Most of all – accepted. And surely that’s what we all want? To be accepted, just as we are.

Support for autistic individuals seeking employment and employers wanting support to create accessible job opportunities: