For many it is hard to understand autism, even if you know someone who is on the autism spectrum, trying to get your head around why another child or adult doesn’t seem to have the same issues can be quite confusing.
Unlike many learning difficulties Autism is a spectrum disorder which means it will affect individuals in different ways, although the main traits of autism include sensory issues and social difficulties.
While for some going to the cinema or going shopping is an enjoyable experience for others it would be extremely challenging and for others impossible.
Over the past couple of years shops and cinemas have started to adapt their surroundings in order to become more inclusive.
The Broadway cinema on Broad Street in Nottingham hold regular autism friendly screenings as they believe ‘Everyone should be able to experience the delight that cinema can bring in comfort.’
Autism hours in shops aim to create a more relaxing atmosphere for shoppers, with retailers' dimming lights, turning off music and reducing the number of people allowed in the store.
Research conducted by the National Autistic Society showed that 64% of autistic people avoided shopping and 28% had been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.
It is these alarming figures that prompted for more to be done to make shopping more inclusive.
Speaking about the introduction of Autism Hours, Tom Purser, Head of Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said: “Things like staff finding out a bit more about autism and making simple adjustments like turning down music or dimming the lights. It’s often the smallest change that makes the biggest difference.”
It is not just shops and cinemas making a collective effort to be more inclusive. Theatres are also offering autism friendly performances.
During a relaxed performance house lights are raised, and sound levels are reduced along with no pyrotechnics. Relaxed performances are particularly popular during pantomime season, however now more productions are getting involved.
Rebecca Hogarth, Audience and Community Engagement Manager at Nottingham Playhouse, said: “At Nottingham Playhouse we believe our productions should be available for everyone. we try to create an atmosphere where people feel free to move about. It also won’t be as dark, so it’s easier for audiences who need to take medication or the occasional break.”
Being a parent of a child with autism can be challenging. Thankfully there is a wide range of support groups offering advice, guidance and the opportunity to meet-up.
Transport Sparks is one of those groups.
Anoushka Yeoh, formed Transport Sparks after her son, who is autistic, became passionate about trains and buses. Anoushka was able to connect with him through his interests and discovered he was always the most joyful and open when having a train adventure.
Feeling quite confident that there were other parents out there who’s children had the same interests as her son, in February 2018 Anoushka set up a Facebook group called Transport Sparks to try and find them.
Over two years later Transport Sparks has over 900 members many of whom are autistic transport enthusiasts from all over the world.
Speaking about the importance of Sparks Anoushka said: “the group has catalysed real life friendships within a community that can find social interactions challenging.”
Back in Nottingham, Autism East Midlands provides a wide range of support for its service users.
Founded in 1968 by a group of parents Autism East Midlands is not only a school but also offers adult services which include family support hubs, employment services and residential care.
Sophie Campbell-Bass,Assistant Psychologists in Adult Services at Autism East Midlands said: “there is still a concept that autism only occurs in ‘children’ and many people aren’t aware of the spectrum element of it – that is, autistic people can massively vary in ability.”
The team at Autism East Midlands believe that understanding autism is the key to communities being inclusive.
Debbie Austin, Specialist Autism Awareness Trainer said: “It is also vital we start to better understand and promote the potential and strengths of many autistic people as autism can often be viewed in a negative light regarding quality of life and independence, with many parents and guardians worried about the future outlook for their son or daughter if they are diagnosed with autism.”
Another Nottingham based support group, Autistic Nottingham, also want to create a wider understanding.
Autistic Nottingham is the only registered charity that is run entirely run by Autistic people.
Clair Smith, chief executive said: “Our aims are to break down the misconceptions around Autism that are causing barriers for people like us, and to spread more positive Autism Awareness & Acceptance all year around.”
Autistic Nottingham began life as a small social group for autistic adults, over time the group began to see that they were experiencing the same problems over and over again which were related to people’s misconceptions of Autism.
Claire added: “If someone tells you they are Autistic, ask about it, ask how it effects them, what you could do to make things easier for them. Opening up a dialogue is the most supportive thing you can do and will have a far more positive effect on that person than you can imagine.”
Continuing to create awareness about Autism will take time, however thanks to support groups, professionals, and those with knowledge of the condition in time we shall hopefully live in a more inclusive community.