Autism Acceptance Month
Promotes inclusion and understanding of autistic individuals, focusing on embracing neurodiversity rather than simply raising awareness.
Activities:
Art: Sensory-friendly art stations or create hands-on experiences to simulate sensory differences highlighting different textures, sensory experiences e.g. wearing noise-cancelling headphones, texture boxes, visual distractions. Use this to prompt discussions “how did that make you feel?”, “what might help?”
Empathy Game: “Walk in My Shoes” empathy games
Book Display: Neurodiversity book displays and readings
Crafts: Badge-making with infinity symbols, positive messages and phrases.
Discussion: Discuss keywords/phrases like “neurodiversity”, “Neurotypical”, “
Posters: Create educational and informative posters for around school and for social media.
Quiz: Create a PowerPoint for form or posts for social media educating people on Autism and include a quiz at the end, this could be turned in to a Form time competition between different forms.
Sharing Experiences: Share stories online, in discussions or in form time of real autistic peoples experiences to deepen understanding.
Research: Research Autism and have discussions with students about the challenges faced and peoples experiences to improve understanding.
Quiet Zone: Create a quiet zone or sensory break space
School-wide Awareness:
Assembly with autistic guest speaker or advocate
Daily autism facts shared during form time
Hallway displays celebrating autistic awareness
Wear something comfortable day