Library Services Blog

World Autism Acceptance Month: 2nd April – 30th April 2025

It’s one of the best times of the year, days feel brighter, the sky suggests summer blue and tulips are beginning to bloom!

April also marks World Autism Acceptance Month and we would like to share with you some of the themes and ideas two autism related organisations are encouraging people to think about.

What is World Autism Acceptance Month?
The National Autistic Society (2025) defines World Autism Acceptance Month as “an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.”

What can actions can you take?
We can boost our understanding of autism by exploring a range of resources. Boosting our knowledge can help break down stereotypes and assumptions about autism and what being autistic can mean.

• Barton, M. (2014). A different kettle of fish: a day in the life of a physics student with autism. Jessica Kingsley.
• Bargiela, S., & Standing, S. (2019). Camouflage the hidden lives of autistic women. Jessica Kingsley.
• Dale, L. K. (2019). Uncomfortable labels my life as a gay autistic trans woman. Jessica Kingsley.

While many autistic people may share similar ways of being, we are all different and don’t fit into easy stereotypes. As Shore (2003) stated “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
•    Shore. S.M. (2003). Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. (2nd ed.) Autism Asperger Publishing.

The National Autistic Society (UK charity for autistic people and their families) lead their work this month with the line: It's How You Show Up.

“Showing up for autistic people can be easier than you might think. We have launched a public awareness campaign to educate people on simple changes they can make.” National Autistic Society (2025).

Spend a few minutes watching the video to understand the importance of being there and understanding what it can mean to be autistic from a deeply personal and multigenerational perspective.  Take a look at the Pledge Wall to see examples of different ways people are Showing Up.

Autistica (UK autism research and campaigning charity) leads with this powerful thought that can change perceptions. 

“We want you to see autistic people as individuals, not stereotypes” Autistica (2025).

Take a look at the Autistica campaign to find out more about the strengths and challenges of being autistic and the myths and stereotypes associated with being autistic.

How Hallam Library shows up:

•    We have a mix of bookable learning spaces you can book for your study time in the library. Whether you prefer quiet, silent or group working places to work - choose the space that works for you!

•    We have the Hallam Library: Curated Reading Lists: Neurodiversity: Seeing the world through different lens: to support the exploration of being neurodivergent.

•    We offer a range of appointments with specialist staff in a range of ways – in person, telephone and online.

•    You can get Library support in the way you prefer – in person by chatting to colleagues on the Hallam Help desks in each library or online using the Library Chat service.

Book recommendations:

• Beardon, L. (2023). What works for autistic adults. Sheldon Press.
• Honeybourne, V. (2020). The neurodiverse workplace: an employer’s guide to managing and working with neurodivergent employees, clients and customers. Jessica Kingsley.
• Mendes, E. A., & Maroney, M. R. (2019). Gender identity, sexuality and autism : voices from across the spectrum. Jessica Kingsley.

References:

• Autistica. (2025, April 4). See us as individuals, not stereotypes. https://www.autistica.org.uk/get-involved/individuals-not-stereotypes
• National Autistic Society. (2025, April 4). It’s How You Show Up. https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/acceptance-and-awareness/how-you-show-up
• Shore. S.M. (2003). Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. (2nd ed.) Autism Asperger Publishing.