Autism Acceptance Month April 2026

Rachel_Scope

This month, we're supporting Autism Acceptance Month and we hope you'll join us!

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence that is characterised by different ways of thinking, feeling, and communicating.

• Social & Sensory Experience: Socialising can be confusing or exhausting, and busy environments can lead to sensory overload.
• Behavioural Patterns: A preference for routine and repetitive movements (stimming) for emotional regulation are common.
• The Impact of Masking: Many autistic individuals "mask" or hide their traits to fit into societal norms, which can lead to mental health challenges.

Source: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

The National Autistic Society have a Pledge Wall for people to pledge their understanding and their support. Maybe you could add a pledge?

We'd love to hear your own experiences if you're comfortable in sharing.

SheffieldMan1976

Way back when I was first diagnosed in October 1999, I was on Google looking up various aspects of it, and posting on my Blog, I wasn't as Internet savvy back then and didn't set everything personal to private, some guy found my Blog and proceeded to tell the world, without my pemission, on a US based wrestling forum, the resulting comments were literally unrepeatable in civilised conversation, and I've mostly hated Americans in general ever since.

Also, almost 26 and half years later, in some ways I still resent my Sister in law for her part in getting me the diagnosis in the first place.

But I don't say anything because it'd cause WWIII in the family.

dolfrog

My disability Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), the listening disability, can be one of the conditions which can combine to be part of an individuals multiple combination of issues that are the cause of an individual's Autism.

You could have a look at my PubMed "Autism" research paper collection, which I developed to help me understand those who may have Autism, as some of the members of my online Facebook support group have APD as part of their Autism.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/1v9jzpUc5t6/collections/10371460/public/%20%20

Andi66

I've had people judging me for having Autism. Some say I managed all this time. I was diagnosed age 53 I'm 59 now. They knew me for a year . They didn't see the struggle that I've had and still have. I been told there was something wrong with me or I'm to autistic. I hate myself feeling like a freak. My daughter has it and seems to cope better.

SheffieldMan1976

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1115234#Comment_1115234

People have judged me my whole life (I'm 50 tomorrow) for being "different", even before I was formally diagnosed in October 1999 at the age of 23.

Some of the comments I've had both in person and online are unrepeatable in civilised conversation.

Andi66

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1115252#Comment_1115252

Same here, So sorry this has happened to you

hedgehoggirl

I have several family members who are on the spectrum. Ranging from my 40 year granddaughter who also has learning disability. Needs 24 care. My daughter diagnosed in her fifties who struggled all her life to try to fit in. My 21 year old grandson who is very clever but struggles. I’m proud of everyone who fight on daily basis.

SheffieldMan1976

Contrary to popular belief I am very clever myself, a few years back I actually applied to go on on Mastermind, to potentially become a white version of Shaun Wallace off The Chase, I didn't even understand the question when they rang me for the audition! Some random Science question that even the Dark Destroyer himself probably wouldn't have known.

WhatThe

Community_Scope Posts: 2,200 Scope Online Community CoordinatorApril 14 edited April 14

Just a quick note on language here, terms like “mild autism” can mean different things to different people. Some use it informally, but others feel it can minimise their experiences or come across as outdated.


Some organisations are also moving away from this kind of terminology.

For example, Psychiatry UK explains why labels like this can be unhelpful:
“You cannot be a ‘little bit’ autistic. Autistic people may find it harder to be believed or supported by those around them if they are associated with a higher level of functioning, and their needs can be overlooked, meaning that they can feel invalidated, let down and excluded.”

We hope that helps explain why people may feel differently about different terms. To keep things respectful for everyone, it’s generally best to avoid ‘rank’-based labels where possible and instead describe individual experiences or support needs.

Emilee

I posted this in the humour thread but I like it here too