Autism Awareness Week 2020

News | Posted on Tuesday 31 March 2020

From 30 March to 5 April 2020, World Autism Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate as well as encouraging awareness and education.

World Autism Awareness Week 1-7 April

Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. There are approximately 700,000 autistic people in the UK, and only 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time employment.

Contact us

Equality and Diversity Office

equality@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 324680
@EqualityatYork

Autistic people:

  • need more time to process questions, requests and instructions
  • may struggle meeting new people
  • may struggle to pick up on the unwritten rules
  • may find office environments overwhelming
  • may struggle with small talk and workplace relationships.

Autistic strengths:

  • intense focus
  • attention to detail
  • considered and reflective approach
  • honesty and integrity
  • creative thinking.

How to help autistic colleagues:

  • give clear instructions and put important points in writing for clarification
  • don’t rely on body language or facial expressions to communicate
  • give anxious or agitated colleagues space and time to recover
  • offer to be a buddy for work social events.

Advance your awareness and understanding for the workplace 

Support for students

Support for staff

Contact us

Equality and Diversity Office

equality@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 324680
@EqualityatYork