Autism Awareness Week

Why is World Autism Acceptance Week important?

Autistic people can encounter discrimination in all aspects of society – health and social care systems, education, employment and beyond.

It is essential for them and their families to have access to the right care and support, information and guidance, and resources to help navigate these challenges and overcome barriers.

It is also important that autistic people have every opportunity to build friendships and feel accepted in their community, have the chance to develop skills and talents and live happy fulfilling lives.

World Autism Acceptance Week, 1st to 7th April, aims to celebrate all things autism and raise awareness of some of the challenges that are faced on a daily basis.

What is autism?

Watch the Amazing Things Happen YouTube video (external link)

One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK alone.

Though everyone on the spectrum may have different experiences and needs, World Autism Awareness Week is a chance to speak up for the rights of all autistic people, and highlight the social, economic, health and educational obstacles that many autistic people face.

Wigan Councils vision is to become an autism friendly and inclusive borough.

We believe that people with autism have skills and assets to offer to our borough and are more than just a person with autism.

Getting a diagnosis

A formal autism diagnosis can mean access the get the right support.

Diagnosing autism in children/ young people

Find out what you can do if you are concerned your child is on the autism spectrum

Diagnosing autism in adults

Find out how to get referred and what happens during the assessment

Understanding autism training

Who is it for? Parents/carers who have a child or young person aged 5-16 with a diagnosis of autism.

This webinar looks at different aspects of autism for children, including:

Understanding your child’s diagnosis
Communication
Behaviour
Sensory differences.

Watch the Understanding Autism Training YouTube video (external link)

Did you know?

Only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school
Only 29% of autistic people are in any form of employment
70% of autistic people experience mental health problems.

World Autism Acceptance Month is an is an opportunity for schools to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and foster understanding of autism within their communities. It is about more than acceptance—it is about how you show up for your pupils and peers to create a school environment where every child feels valued, supported, and included. Visit National Autistic Society (external link) for school and parent resources.

Acceptance at Work is important because inclusive workplaces are not just better for individuals with autism, they’re better for everyone. It is about more than raising awareness, it is about how you show up to support your colleagues with autism. Visit National Autistic Society at work (external link) for guidance on how to support a colleague with autism

Autism is not a mental health condition, but people with autism can have good and bad mental health like anyone else. There are things that can be done to help – talk to people and seek professional help if you need it. View our padlet for information about mental health support for children and young people (external link). View our padlet for information on ways to support your mental wellbeing (external link).

Many adults with autism say that they feel socially isolated and lonely. Our Town Directory brings together local support and things to do in the community whether you are living, visiting, or working in the Wigan Borough. Visit Our Town Directory (external link) for further information.

Find out about community support offers (external link).

Local Offer Live event is back!

Bringing social care, health, and community organisations together and showcasing our special educational needs and disabilities offer in Wigan, for those aged 0 to 25.

You will be able to meet and speak to professionals and service providers on their offers, find out latest information and ask questions you may have. There will also be a quiet space where you can go to take a break if you need to.

Date: Monday 28th April
Time: 10am to 2pm and 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Where: The Edge, Riverside, Wigan WN3 5AB.

Wigan Borough celebrates diversity with new children’s book launch.

‘Do We Look Autistic?’ by local award-winning author Alex Winstanley, is an engaging picture book, aimed at readers aged 5-11. It was co-produced by local autistic individuals and their families, aiming to debunk myths, celebrate diversity, and emphasise the importance of understanding and acceptance.

The book has been commissioned by Wigan Council in support of the Wigan Autism Strategy, which aims to improve awareness and understanding of autism, and is rooted in the community.

Do I look autistic award The characters are based on real local people reflecting the authentic voices and experiences of the borough’s autistic residents.

All proceeds from sales will support the promotion of lived experience voices. "Do we look Autistic?" is now available to buy on Amazon (external link).

Do not forget to leave a review too.

Videos

Useful links

Follow Autism Friends on social media to keep up to date:

World Autism Acceptance Week 1st April – 7th April 2025

Activities

Join us for our Autism Awareness Week Walks! Come together to celebrate autism, meet new people, and enjoy the fresh air!

Our friendly walks are a good way to connect, learn about local support available in our Borough, and show support for our autism community.

After the walk - relax and have a free drink and a cake in the café.

Everyone is welcome – bring friends, families, and pets!

Walk one:

Date: Tuesday 1st April
Time: 11am to 11:45am
Where: Haigh Woodland Park, meet at the visitors centre.

Walk two:

Date: Thursday 3rd April
Time: 11am to 11:45am
Where: Pennington Flash, meet at The Hide Cafe.

Autism Friends

"An Autism Friend is somebody that learns about autism so they can help their community by helping to change the stigma of autism."

Book onto an Autism Friends Awareness session

Attend one of our free one-hour Autism Friends Awareness sessions (external link) and become an Autism Friend.

These sessions aim to help businesses and members of the public better understand how those living with autism will encounter situations and what they can do to break down barriers. Sessions are held regularly across Greater Manchester and to date over 4000 people have attended.

All sessions run for approximately 1 hour.

Would you like to volunteer with us?

We are looking for volunteers who share our passion to support the Autism Friends campaign by either becoming an Autism Friends Champion or Lead.

Wigan Pride

Wigan Pride promotes and celebrates equality and diversity by bringing together arts, music, a street parade, and positive messages at a big annual event in Wigan.

As well as offering a fantastic day of entertainment for the whole family, Wigan Pride also helps remind our local community that equal rights are often hard won and should not be taken for granted. Celebrating equality helps us to value the importance of it and make sure that it continues.

Autism Friends host a 'quiet space' every year. Events such as Pride can be rich in stimulation, and be overwhelming, exhausting and triggering for some of the people attending.

This space can offer: