Why Autism Acceptance Week Matters at LCG

This week we've been celebrating Autism Acceptance Week. Established by the The National Autistic Society , this week is an opportunity to do more than simply raise awareness around autism: it is a chance to change attitudes and break down misconceptions so autistic people can be their authentic selves no matter the environment they find themselves in.

Statistics in the UK say 1% of the UK population is autistic, but emerging research suggests that the true figure is higher. Autism is still widely misunderstood, and with stigma and misconceptions making life challenging for autistic people, it is likely that many people are not yet comfortable disclosing autism with family, friends or colleagues. As a result, 70% of autistic people experience mental health problems – much higher than the national average – and only 29% of autistic people are in any form of employment. ???

We want to celebrate autism and neurodiversity every day, so that all our Purple People – neurodivergent and neurotypical – can develop their skills, build meaningful relationships, and feel safe at work. Many of the adjustments you can make for autistic people are simple, free, and have long-lasting benefits.

For example, workplaces could:

- Provide questions for job interviews in advance to reduce anxiety

- Ensure the ability for people to take flexible or more frequent break times - Provide quiet rooms or areas to help with over stimulation

- Allow the use of headphones, whether that be for stimulation or noise-cancelling

- Avoid colloquialisms or confusing terms, if people prefer direct language (for example, “throwing someone under the bus” could be quite shocking for someone who understands things literally)

Ultimately, the needs of each autistic person are totally unique, and the best way to make accommodations is on a case-by-case basis. As is commonly said – “once you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person”.

We cover all these topics and more, in our most recent 'Diverse Conversations' episode. We spoke to Amelia Troup , Graphic Designer at LCG, and Emily Keavney – Marketing, Media & Policy Manager at Daisy Chain , a North East charity supporting autistic children, young people and adults. Watch the video below, where we also discuss autism in the workplace, the challenges of late diagnosis, and autism in women.?

Our Understanding Autism Qualifications

As well as celebrating autism and neurodiversity at LCG, we are celebrating the fact that our learners want to develop their knowledge, too.

Consistently amongst our most popular courses, we offer a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification in Understanding Autism. Accredited by NCFE and developed in conjunction with National Autistic Society guidelines, these courses aim to increase understanding, break down stigma and challenge misconceptions around autism.

Whether you work with autistic people or simply want to develop your knowledge, these fully online courses can be studied at a time, place and pace that works for you.