Understanding Autism Through Identity and Inclusion

As we immerse ourselves in Autism Acceptance Week (2nd-8th April), it’s important to deepen our understanding of autism, recognising it not as a simple diagnosis, but as an integral aspect of an individual’s identity.

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. This difference of experience provides a unique perspective and a whole array of strengths.

The definition of autism is continually evolving and changing as we understand more regarding the neuro-distinction. Ultimately, traits of autism can vary from person to person, with impacts shifting for every individual. Some people may need little to no support, whereas others may require significant support every day.

Autism is something you’re born with, but signs of autism might not be noticed until you're older. Under the Equality Act 2010, Autism is recognised as a neurodevelopmental difference deserving of accommodation and respect.

Statistics at a glance:

• More than 1 in 100 people are diagnosed autistic, however, this is likely not an accurate figure due to misdiagnoses and many individuals having no formal diagnosis;
• Autism frequently co-occurs with other conditions, such as ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety; 
• Autism manifests along a spectrum; 
• Approximately 33% of autistic individuals may have a learning disability; 
• Autism is not a mental health condition but warrants understanding and support in its own right; 
• Just 29% of autistic adults in the UK are in any form of paid employment;
• There are currently over 150,000 people on the waiting list for an autism assessment.

 Autism in the Workplace

Autistic people have a wealth of strengths and well-developed skills that enable thriving within the workplace. In addition to individual strengths and characteristics, as with neurotypicals, autistic candidates can demonstrate above-average skills in some or all of the following areas:

• The ability to harness hyperfocus and monotropic thinking;
• Time management, such as meeting structured deadlines;
• Being detail orientated;
• Excellent recall for subjects of interest.

Autistic people may act in a different way to other people, including:

• Find it hard to communicate and interact with other people;
• Find it hard to understand how other people think or feel;
• Find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable;
• Get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events;
• Take longer to understand information;
• Do or think the same things repetitively.

The Power of Language

Language is one of the most powerful tools we have in relation to shaping the way we think and talk about autism. This language is constantly so it is essential to review changes to promote respect, inclusivity and professional awareness.

In the autism community, many prefer identity-first language, such as “autistic,” “autistic person,” or “autistic individual”, because it promotes autism as an inherent part of an individual’s identity. On the other hand, person-first language, such as “person with autism”, suggests that the person can be separated from autism.  

Why Is Autism Acceptance Week Important?

In 2022, prompted by the efforts of autistic advocacy groups and individuals, the National Autistic Society officially rebranded Autism Awareness Week as Autism Acceptance Week. This shift acknowledges that while awareness of autism has significantly increased over the past six decades, many autistic individuals still grapple with a lack of acceptance for their true selves. By emphasising acceptance, the new name underscores the importance of fostering understanding and inclusivity within society, encouraging adjustments to create more accommodating environments.

Although understanding of autism is growing, there are still stigmas and outdated ideas about what autism is or who can be autistic due to gaps in knowledge and representation in the media. Ways to reaffirm your commitment could include: 

• Educate yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about autism, its diverse presentations and the experiences of autistic individuals;
• Amplify autistic voices: Listen actively to the perspectives and insights of autistic colleagues; create space for them to share their experiences, challenges and triumphs;
• Foster open communication: Cultivate an environment where open dialogue is encouraged by initiating conversations with autistic colleagues about their unique needs, preferences and accommodations; be willing to adapt your communication style based on individual preferences to ensure everyone feels heard and understood;
• Advocate for inclusivity: Advocate for inclusive practices and policies within your workplace and ensure that recruitment, training and advancement opportunities are accessible to all;
• Be mindful of sensory sensitivities: Recognise and respect sensory sensitivities that autistic individuals may experience. Be mindful of environmental factors, such as lighting, noise levels and sensory stimuli, by offering support and accommodations to create a comfortable workspace;
• Consider the symbolism of images and metaphors: For example, despite their popularity, the use of puzzle pieces can be problematic for people with autism as it could be interpreted as incompleteness.

For further guidance and support:

• If you are a client of ours, you are welcome to reach out to your Health Partners Account Manager.
• For more information on our Neurodiversity and Disability services, please email wpateam@healthpartners.uk.com.
• Or you may wish to consider consulting with autism advocacy organisations. 

Resources

1. Learn about and from self-advocates with autism here: Welcome to the Autistic Community - Autistic Self Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org)
2. Stories from the spectrum (autism.org.uk)
3. Question your assumptions about autism: 10 misconceptions about autism | Ambitious about Autism and Myths and causes - Autism | Autistica
4. Check out the Ed Wiley Autism Acceptance Library for some new reading material: Libib | neurodiversity