Sunday 2 April is Autism Awareness Day, an officially sanctioned United Nations General Assembly Day of Observance. The day is about celebrating the contributions people with autism make at work, at home and to their communities.
There are many ways you can get involved in the day. Here’s a list of ideas of free or low-cost ways you can get involved:
1.Be part of the autism mosaic
The autism mosaic is a worldwide initiative run by Autism Speaks. The mosaic is an opportunity for you to add your face to the autism community and show your support for a more inclusive world. Go to the Autism Mosaic site to join in.
2. Join the Light It Up In Blue light activation
The Light it Up In Blue event is an opportunity to show your support by using a blue light blue to shine a light on the autism community. Purchase a blue light bulb from your local store and let it shine bright on Sunday 2 April. Go to https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month-get-involved for more information.
3. Watch the United Nations World Autism Day 2023 webinar event
The United Nations will recognise World Autism Awareness Day with a special webinar event. The webinar will feature speakers from the autism community who will share their stories on living with autism and clinicians and academics who will discuss their experiences working with autisic people. You can register for the webinar here: http://bit.ly/3Kb7wWe
4. Hoodie Up for Autism on Monday 4 April
Hoodie Up day, hosted by Amaze, commenced in 2019 to stand together for a more autism inclusive Australia. Hoodie Up day is a way to show your understanding, acceptance and support for the autistic community. Learn more about the event on the Amaze website.
5. Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland
On the morning of Sunday 2 April Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) will transform the gallery into a low-sensory experience. Volumes will be lowered and signage will be installed at the entrance to high-sensory exhibits to assist people with sensory issues to experience the GoMA without being subjected to excessive sensory stimulation. The low-sensory experience runs for a limited time period on Sunday morning. See the GoMA website for more information.
6. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Victoria
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will be hosting a low sensory morning with reduced light and sound and quiet spaces on Saturday 1 April. Contact the SEALIFE website for more information about this special event.
7. The Australian Museum, New South Wales
The Australian Museum will host a reduced sensory experience on Saturday 22 April to open the museum to people who prefer a low-stimulation environment. Go to the Australian Museum website for times and dates.
8. Fraser Avenue trees, Western Australia
Fraser Avenue will light up to celebrate the strengths and achievements of individuals with autism on Sunday 2 April. Wander down to Fraser avenue on Sunday evening to see this spectacular avenue of trees lit up in blue. Visit the council website for more information.
9. Inclusive play day – Gawler, South Australia
Gawler Council is hosting an inclusive play day at Clonelea Park on Sunday 2 April. The event will feature sensory play activities, face painting, nature play and more. Go to the Gawler Council website for more details of the event.
10. Annual autism walk, Northern Territory
Join Austim NT on 29th April for their free annual autism walk. The walk will take place from 9am at Sunset Part, Nightcliff. Go to the Autism NT website to register. https://events.autismnt.org.au/event/2023-autism-month