Did you know that an estimated 1 in 70 people living in Australia are on the autism spectrum?
That is nearly 400,000 + people – of all ages, backgrounds and genders!
And while this is a great fact that might make you more aware of the prevalence of autism – what does it actually tell you about those people? Does it help you to understand them? Does it help you to appreciate them?
Pop culture has played a huge role over the past decade in helping to make us all more ‘aware’ of the concept of autism, unfortunately it has not necessarily helped in making us more understanding of Autistic people – who still face unemployment rates of around 30% and are four times more likely to experience depression over the course of their lives than their non-Autistic peers!
Every year, on 2 April, the world celebrates World Autism Awareness Day.
This year we want to do a lot more than just celebrate awareness about autism – we want to create real understanding and acceptance.
Help us to create more understanding!
If you'd like to help us spread greater understanding and acceptance of autism and Autistic people this World Autism Understanding Day, Sunday 2 April, here is how you can get involved:
Change your language!


We don’t want to just spread awareness … we need to create more understanding and acceptance. You can start by acknowledging World Autism Understanding Day – #WAUD2023
Deepen your understanding!
Download our factsheets or reading on of our blogs written by Autistic adults about the importance of shifting our language.”

Share our messaging!
Aspect has created some supporting resources for our partners to share with their external audiences or staff. See the partner resources below.


Tell us about your autism-friendly events!
If you have an autism-friendly event scheduled in the next month, let us know and we can add it to our autism friendly calendar, which we’ll be promoting throughout April. Send the details to comms@autismspectrum.org.au.

Create an autism-inclusive environment at your organisation.
Find out how by contacting our Autism Friendly Team or following some of the tips on our autism-friendly brochure.

Adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
Help people with hidden disabilities like autism become more visible by at your workplace.