World Autism Acceptance Month will see organisations and individuals from all over the world coming together to celebrate the lives and achievements of people on the autistic spectrum. Throughout the month, a host of activities will take place, helping to raise awareness about the condition and also to raise crucial funds for a range of autism charities. The campaign officially began on the 2nd of April, which is World Autism Awareness Day.

SDO® Original Suit in the No. 20 - Lance Corporal theme

This date was designated back in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly after being proposed by Moza bin Nasser Al-Missned, who was Qatar's United Nations Representative at the time. It is one of a very small number of UN resolutions that have been supported by all of the UN's member states. There are only six other official UN Days specific to health. 

April 2025 has already seen a series of impactful events across the UK in observance of World Autism Acceptance Month, each fostering greater understanding and inclusion for autistic individuals.

Some events that have taken place so far this month are:

• World Autism Awareness Day - every April 2nd: Each year, the UN's World Autism Awareness Day focuses on a specific theme. Past themes have included 'Opening Doors to Inclusive Education', 'Inclusion and Neurodiversity, 'Empowering Girls and Women with Autism' and 'Transforming the Narrative'. World Autism Awareness Day this year opened with the theme "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals." This has been chosen to shine a light on how important it is to acknowledge and promote neurodiversity while simultaneously aligning initiatives with sustainability efforts on a global scale.  

• Spectrum Colour Walk - 5th April: The National Autistic Society hosted the Spectrum Colour Walk in Battersea Park, London. Participants engaged in a relaxed five-kilometre walk, completing two loops of equal length with a rest period in between. This structure helped autistic participants anticipate the second loop. All registrants received a t-shirt and medal for their efforts.

Ongoing initiatives:

• 5k walk during April: For those unable to attend the Spectrum Colour Walk, the National Autistic Society’s 'Walk 5K This April' campaign continues throughout the month. Participants can register to walk 5 kilometres at their convenience, raising funds to support autism services. The initiative provides resources and merchandise to assist with fundraising efforts.

• Autism Initiatives – Walk for Autism (Ongoing): Autism Initiatives' "Walk for Autism" challenge encourages participants to walk 10,000 steps daily. While the official event period has ended, individuals can still join the challenge and contribute to raising awareness and funds for autism support services.

• Morrisons' Sensory Support Boxes – April 2025 (Scotland): Morrisons have introduced sensory support boxes, set to roll out in all 63 Scottish stores from May onwards. Containing calming toys like fidget balls and squish mats to assist autistic and neurodivergent customers during their shopping experience. Customers wishing to access the items simply need to speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk at the start of their shop.

Future Events

• AWARE’s WAAD (World Autism Acceptance Day) 2025 – 29 April 2025 (Bradford): AWARE UK will host a free, ticket-free event at the University of Bradford Stadium. The event is designed for families with autistic children or young people and will feature various services, including education, healthcare, and social care. A sensory/­chillout room will be available for attendees.

• Sensory Hug® in the Mermaid theme

  Kidz to Adultz South Exhibition, Thursday, 1 May 2025: Highlights: Over 100 exhibitors, CPD seminars, accessible facilities, and a new "Connection Hub" for networking and support. Location: Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough, GU14 6TQ. This event is free to attend for the public, including children, parents, carers, and professionals. They offer a unique opportunity to discover the latest products, services, and support available for individuals with additional needs.

• National Neurodiversity Shows 2025: Features: Over 100 exhibitors, live demonstrations, and seminars covering topics like neurodivergent nutrition, SEN law, and workplace inclusion. Designated sensory quiet spaces are available.

  • Cardiff: 22 May at Cardiff City Stadium

  • Liverpool: 16 June at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre

  • Midlands: 23 July at the Coventry Building Society Arena

• The Autism & ADHD Show 2025: Highlights: Over 100 hours of talks, workshops, and clinics, plus hundreds of specialist products and services. The show offers distinct programmes for autism and ADHD, including CPD-certified content for professionals.
  • London: 20–21 June at the Business Design Centre
  • Birmingham: 27–28 June at the NEC
  • Manchester: 4–5 July at Manchester Central
• Spectrum Autism Friendly Festival, Saturday 13th September 2025: The Spectrum Autism Friendly Festival is a highly anticipated annual event designed to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for autistic individuals and their families. The main festival is scheduled for Saturday, 13th September 2025 at the Lea Green Learning & Development Centre near Matlock, Derbyshire, running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For £20 per person (with under 3s free), attendees will have unlimited access to a wide range of activities including climbing walls, pony rides, alpaca walking, soft play, pedal carts, animal handling, and more, all included in the entry price.
• Mini Spring Festival will take place on Sunday, 10th May 2025: Organisers of the UK’s only autistic-friendly outdoor family festival are set to hold a mini spring spin-off event to give more youngsters across Derbyshire a fun and safe day out where they “can be themselves”. Taking place at Shipley Park in The Young People’s Forest at Mead. This smaller festival, priced at £15 per person (with under 3s free), offers similar autism-friendly experiences such as sensory play, woodland activities, small animal interactions, bouncy castles, face painting, live entertainment, and food stalls, with limited places available. Both Derbyshire based Spectrum events are thoughtfully designed with quiet zones and a judgment-free atmosphere, making them ideal for families seeking accessible and inclusive fun.

While the month is nearing its end, these ongoing initiatives and upcoming events provide continued opportunities to support and engage with the autism community. The Medigarments Ltd Sensory Hug®, along with the full range of dynamic compression garments that comprise our groundbreaking SDO® Original and SDO® Lite collections, can help autistic people of all ages to live their best life. 

Please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram for updates about our dynamic Lycra^® garment ranges. Details about our Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ (SDO®) are available on our website and you are of course always welcome to contact our clinical team directly for information and advice. 

SDO^® Original, SDO^® Lite and Sensory Hug^® are part of The World of SDO^® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra^® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO^® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd. 

Find out more about these garments on our website and have a fantastic World Autism Acceptance Month!