World Autism Acceptance Week runs until tomorrow (April 2) and Katrina Kear-Wood will be sharing a series of articles with the Worcester News promoting inclusion and celebrating neurodiversity.

Previously known as autism awareness week, a name change has come from individuals with autism themselves to make their condition a difference that society should accommodate rather than simply be aware of.

World acceptance week aims to go beyond awareness and promote acceptance of autism, recognising the strengths and talents of individuals on the autism spectrum and to promote inclusivity and understanding.

The theme for 2023 is colour, spectrum colour challenge and bright. There have been an array of activities, including spectrum colour walks, rainbow themed art, cookery through education and workplaces.

The National Autistic Society has been running since 1962, they estimate there are an estimated 700,000 autistic people in the UK. There has been an increase in people diagnosed, this is associated with greater awareness of its existence and complexities. Acceptance is a society that works for autistic people.

Autism is a neuropsychological difference in how the brain focuses. Autism is a type of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity is the idea that some brains are wide differently and these differences are simply variations of the human brain and conditions such as autism are not abnormal. Autism acceptance week is about understanding these differences and how autism affects people. Autism is difference not less.

Dr Steven Shore, a college professor with autism observed, "if you have met one person with autism you have met one person with autism," highlighting how diverse autism is.

Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnostic term. Autism is considered a spectrum because it's different for every autistic person, with varying degrees of severity, manifesting in different ways.

ASD is a term given to the developmental condition with a wide array of symptoms affecting social skills, behaviors and communication.

It's common for autistic people to have co- occurring difficulties, at times this can make identification more complex, leading at times to incorrect diagnosis, such as a behaviour disorder or mental illness.

Beyond Autism believes

Late diagnosis of autism and misdiagnosis with other conditions, such as a psychiatric illness is not uncommon. When someone's autism is less obvious, people can be less tolerant and not aware they have autism. Children may be diagnosed with ADHD and other co-occurring difficulties first.

Another reason for late diagnosis may be masking, or camouflaging autism, this refers to the tendency in people with ASD to try and conceal, to ensure their communication and behaviours do not stand out from what is considered socially 'normal.'

Autistic people may feel, due to the differences they stand out, they can be bullied or excluded, some people worry about being defined by it or treated differently.

It is so important to accept neurodiversity as the norm, not just being aware of but accepting autism, because of the negative impact that masking has on individuals.

Masking can result in depression, anxiety and stress, the process of hiding one's true self is mentally and physically taxing. At the time when autistic people feel over stimulated, overwhelmed and anxious they're hiding their true feelings to blend in.

Autistic burnout is a term given to the mental fatigue experienced after a long period of masking. The individual may self-isolate, some for long periods at a time, other cases feel suicidal. ASD is a risk factor for anxiety, depression and trauma.

Christine McGuiness, in a recent documentary 'Autism and Me' shared stories about her childhood struggles at school and difficulties socialising. Christine had been displaying signs of autism for many years, she describes her cool and calm appearance in front of the camera, often seen at red carpet events as "very uncomfortable like being a swan on water".

Christine shared, “I'll be questioning why am I in this room? Why am I with these people? Oh God, please don't speak to me. I have a million conversations going on in my head.”

The most significant way that autism masking can be prevented is by regular training and identifying autism as early as possible. Individuals who are diagnosed later in life may find it hard to come to terms with the diagnosis.

Patsy Holbrook, a Neurodivergent specialist in Worcestershire helps children and young people with Autism and ADHD to embrace who they are and be proud to be neurodivergent.

Her work with Key2Confidence, as a specialist autism mentor, predominantly with females has for many been a turning point in their journey, helping with anxiety, social skills, communication and confidence.

Masking is not always understood by professionals. Children can hold on to their emotions in an environment they don’t feel comfortable in, such as school for fear of judgement and at home 'unmask,' where they feel safe to be themselves. Behaviours such as stimming, repetitive unusual body movements or noises can be masked.

Understanding Sensory Processing is key to autism acceptance. Sensory issues can cause great impact on individuals with autism factors such as light smell sound touch and taste can trigger sensitivity responses there may be here to crease sense of balance and bodily awareness with their own body functions and relation to people around them.

Acceptance of autism starts with understanding. Bernadette Louise, from Worcestershire has been proactive in supporting other parents and has challenged for change. Bernadette Louise was diagnosed as autistic age 40 after her children were diagnosed.

She has been co-chair of the Worcestershire's autism partnership board for several years and in 2022 was appointed ICB Autism Champion.

Bernadette Louise observed: “I can see that overtime conversations about Autism are improving, There is wider recognition of females and how we present, it’s important to get awareness out there, to avoid females being misdiagnosed, as is so often the case.

“There are a lot of myths to bust, and whilst there are still positives, it is still the case that attitudes and cultures need nurturing to accept the autistic voice. I am excited about the recent focus in the Autism Strategy.”

Autism can bring many positives, strengths that others do not have, as well as barriers. Greater attention to detail, which makes some companies including GCHQ and BAE headhunt them.

Having expert knowledge in an area of special interest can make someone very employable. Being honest, loyal, resilient and committed are very employable associated strengths of some autistic people.

A quote to reflect on by Steve Silberman, how to think smarter about people who think differently; "Autism is one word attempting to describe millions of different stories".