This week is World Autism Acceptance Week.

We’re helping to highlight awareness and acceptance of autism for World Autism Acceptance Week.

What is Autism?

The National Autistic Society defines autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world.

There are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK today, however, this number is only an estimate provided by the Government. This number can vary as many individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder may have not yet received a diagnosis or have been identified.

Over the decades, the definition of autism has changed as medical professionals and official bodies as more has been learnt about autism.

Find out more about autism by watching the National Autistic Societies film narrated by Alan Gardner, the Autistic Gardener.

Being Autistic

Autism affects people in a variety of different ways as it is a spectrum disorder. Some of the common difficulties for those with an autism spectrum disorder are:

Accessibility guides

For those who are looking to make their clubs into more accessible environments for members with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or additional needs, the National Autistic Society has created guides on how you can adapt your club to make it more accessible for autistic members and their families.

Guides include:

If you would like to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorders, please visit the website of the National Autistic Society.

If you would like to know how to make your club more accessible for members with Autism or other additional needs, please contact the British Taekwondo disability team at disability@britishtaekwondo.org