Beginning in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day on the 2nd of April highlights the challenges faced by those on the Spectrum whilst celebrating the many achievements of the Autistic community. Over the years there has been a growing movement to shift the focus from awareness to understanding.  Understanding is based on knowledge but requires also a level of effort to make connections.  Awareness leads to making some allowances for core differences, but it doesn’t go beyond the surface. It involves knowledge but not empathy.  True understanding requires a willingness to move beyond the surface to a deeper connection with the individual.  To learn how to best support them and to build better more inclusive communities we need to work together to move the needle from awareness to understanding.

Neurodiverse individuals face many barriers to inclusion.  Every individual on the Spectrum is different and their needs will be individual as well.  However, there are simple things that we can do to reduce the barriers they face.  Being aware of the barriers that exist, listening to the stories of those on the Spectrum and showing a willingness to learn will help to build stronger connections so that all feel included.

Let’s work together to develop a community that is more welcoming for those on the Spectrum and to create genuine understanding.  To learn more, check out these tips from Aspect Australia