Autism Acceptance Week As the region’s leading provider of services and support for children, young people and adults with autism or other examples of neurodiversity, part of our role is shaping the narrative on how people view and understand autism. Previously, in line with our own corporate colours, we’ve asked local authorities, businesses and key locations to illuminate their buildings / landmarks in blue for autism awareness but this year we’d love you to partner with us in Going for Gold. It’s the colour associated with success and achievement. It’s the hallmark of great things and it’s our chosen colour for this year’s autism awareness week activities. But more than that, Going for Gold is a new take on how autism is viewed and celebrated within our region, and in our nation. - - Rather than the language of deficits or disability, we want autism and neurodiversity to be celebrated and accepted; to be seen and understood in a positive light. We also want our region to lead the way in being autism friendly. We’ve already got dozens of venues, arts locations, shopping malls and businesses signed up so why not make GOLD the target for us all? UK Autism campaigners began this quest and we are backing their drive as several controversial charities, particularly in the Unites States, use ‘light it up blue’ as their theme. Still advocating ‘cures’ and outdated, harmful therapies, we also want to distance ourselves from such initiatives and set a new standard – a gold standard – for autism and neurodiversity, and we would love our region’s best loved landmarks to be a part of it. When are we Going for Gold? World Autism Awareness Week is from April 1-7, 2019. But April the 2nd is usually the day people choose to come together to mark the occasion. We are renaming the week, Autism Acceptance, but any activities throughout April can be part of this worldwide campaign. So please do grab a Going for Gold pack. Together we can make a lasting impact in our nation, and change the lives of children, young people and adults in our region. Sign up to Going for Gold! Download your free resources Manage Cookie Preferences