Powerful National Autistic Society Film Calls for Changing Attitudes

The National Autistic Society will improve public understanding of autism and change attitudes and behaviour towards autistic people through a new campaign, as a survey from the charity reveals negative experiences are a regular part of daily life for autistic people, who avoid going out and are isolated as a result.

The new campaign, It’s How You Show Up, is launching to mark World Autism Day and World Autism Acceptance Month. The campaign will highlight ways the public can show up for autistic people by making changes to make a positive difference.

The National Autistic Society’s It’s How You Show Up campaign aims to improve public understanding of autism and change attitudes and behaviour towards autistic people. Nearly two thirds (64%) of UK adults surveyed by YouGov believe that autistic people face discrimination because they are autistic, and 62% want to learn how to help autistic people feel more accepted.

Peter Watt, managing director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society, said, “Although autism understanding has improved massively in recent years, autistic people and their families still face negative perceptions that can make it harder to get helpful adjustments in their day-to-day lives, at school and work, or even preventing them from going out at all.

“Our campaign, It’s How You Show Up, will improve public understanding about autism and change attitudes and behaviour towards autistic people. There are many simple, everyday ways the public can make a huge difference to autistic people and their families. Whether that’s taking steps to understand an autistic person’s experience of the world, allowing time for them to process information and space to regulate, or advocating for autistic colleagues in the workplace. We have lots of information and advice available on our website and invite everyone to get involved and show up for autistic people this World Autism Acceptance Month.”

The National Autistic Society has created a new film to share as part of the launch of the campaign, which features the Wakeman family, including autistic father and daughter, Chris and nine-year-old Penny. Elements of the family’s real lives were incorporated into the film, including Chris’ powerful emotion when talking about his hopes for his daughter’s future in a more autism-friendly world.

Chris Wakeman said, “Autism doesn't always look how you may think it looks. Autistic people are capable, intelligent, sensitive and able - don't judge us. People have shown up for me at work by having a better understanding of me and how to be empathetic. We wanted to be a part of this campaign because, as a late diagnosed autistic man, it is important for us to help identify and show that it has been really difficult just to get to this point. We are all committed to raising the profile of autism, particularly in girls, and how to identify it and deal with it empathetically without setting people apart.”

Chris Packham, National Autistic Society celebrity ambassador, said, “People showed up for me and it not only improved my life, it made my life possible, and sometimes it’s the smallest, simplest things which can make the biggest difference. So sometimes it doesn’t take much thought to take the right actions, come on – please show up for autistic people this spring!”

The National Autistic Society is asking the public to share how they will pledge to show up for autistic people, during World Autism Acceptance Month and into the future. Find out more about how to show up for autistic people, and make a pledge, by visiting here.