Celebrating World Autism Awareness Day

Every year in April, people across the world come together to recognise World Autism Awareness Day. It was set up as a moment in time to increase understanding, foster acceptance, and champion the rights of autistic individuals. Throughout April, this message continues as part of a wider movement to celebrate neurodiversity and promote inclusion in everyday life.

For us, this isn’t just a date in the calendar, it’s something we live and breathe every day.

The people we support who are autistic are proud of who they are. Equally, those who are not autistic are proud to stand alongside their friends, and celebrate what makes each person individual. 

During our housemate meetings in April, we spent time talking about what autism means to each of us. We shared experiences, perspectives, and ideas about how we can continue to create an inclusive and understanding environment. We also created crafts that demonstrated to us individuality and kindness. We used soft materials like cotton wool and velvet, which demonstrated safety and comfort and nice sensations and warm colours that resonated with each individual.

We also created a tree of handprints that demonstrated that we are all part of a supportive community

Some people felt particularly passionate about raising awareness in the wider community. They chose items from the National Autistic Society and have been wearing them out and about with pride. This awareness helps to spark conversations, increases visibility, and helps others to learn more about autism in a positive and authentic way.

Learning Disability and Autism Friendly Businesses that make Inclusion Possible

As part of Autism Awareness, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Chippenham Rugby Club for being such a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive part of our community.

Their openness and commitment to inclusion have created opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.

Thanks to their support, we host a bi-weekly pub night on Wednesday evenings at the club, which is a valued part of the week for everyone to come together or meet with friends. A relaxed, friendly space where people can connect with others, build confidence, and feel part of their local community. 

What truly sets the club apart is the way their team has taken the time to get to know the people we support. For example, they have invested the time to learn how to communicate with each of the people we support, which hugely impacts each person’s confidence, sense of self and independence. Jeffrey, who has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal, is able to independently order his own drink and snack from the bar whenever he wants, without support. Usually in the community, Jeffrey is supported by a member of staff when ordering items. 

The club has also enabled opportunities for people to learn how to pour pints, spend time behind the bar, and feel part of the team. Moments like this represent independence, dignity, and genuine inclusion in action.

For the people we support, the environment itself has been thoughtfully adapted/used. Quiet, safe spaces are available for anyone who may feel overwhelmed, allowing people to step away, self-regulate, and return when they’re ready. This simple but powerful adjustment removes a barrier that so often prevents people from accessing community spaces. 

The impact of this inclusive approach has been far-reaching. For some, it has even sparked entirely new passions. The Chippenham Cavaliers train on Wednesday evenings, which is visible through the windows at the Rugby Club. Jim, who is autistic, spent six months observing training sessions, witnessing the routines and watching the interactions before asking if he could take part. The opportunity to build confidence at his own pace has enabled him to join in, become part of a team, develop his skills, increase his fitness and begin his own kicking journey with the support of the coaches. It’s a significant and inspiring step.

Beyond weekly activities, the rugby club has also become a place for celebration. From birthdays to seasonal events, it offers a safe, inclusive venue where we can come together for parties with friends, families, and the wider community.  The team have also gone above and beyond to create special moments, like Kenny and the bar staff dressing up as Father Christmas and Elves to make our Christmas parties even more special. 

Together, these experiences show what’s possible when communities come together with openness, understanding, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. We are on a mission to make more organisations learning disability and autism friendly, and would like to commend Chippenham Rugby Club for setting the standard for inclusion.