Understanding Autism Today: A Neuro-affirming Approach

Celebrating World Autism Month with The Inclusive Movement
#AutismInOurWords

What is Autism?

Despite what history has told us, and its medically categorised name (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Autism is not a disorder—it’s a neurotype.

That means it’s a naturally occurring variation in the way people think, communicate, feel, and experience the world around them. From a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, autism is not something to be “cured” or “treated,” but rather understood, respected, and supported.

At The Inclusive Movement, we’re passionate about creating a world where neurodivergent people can thrive as they are—without pressure to mask, change, or conform.

From Awareness to Understanding & Affirmation

For years, autism has been misunderstood. Many people still associate it with outdated stereotypes, deficit-based language, and clinical checklists.

But autistic people are not “puzzles to solve” or “problems to fix.”

They are individuals with incredible strengths, passions, and ways of connecting with the world.

That’s why our World Autism Month campaign, #AutismInOurWords, is all about listening to lived experience, amplifying neurodivergent voices, and sharing resources that help others understand autism through an affirming lens.

Celebrating Autistic Strengths

Autistic people bring unique strengths to their families, communities, and workplaces. These strengths often include:

• Passionate interests and deep focus

• Creative problem-solving

• High sensitivity to patterns, textures, and emotions

• Incredible memory and attention to detail

• Honesty, loyalty, and values-driven thinking

   

Unfortunately, these strengths are often missed or misunderstood—especially in environments that expect autistic people to fit neurotypical norms.

We believe in shifting from “fixing” to supporting, so that autistic individuals can be celebrated for who they truly are.

Behaviour Is Communication

What some may call “challenging behaviour” is often a form of distressed communication.

Meltdowns, shutdowns, withdrawal, and refusal to comply are not signs of being “difficult”—they are signs that a person’s needs are not being met.

Instead of using compliance-based behaviour strategies, we ask:

“What is this person trying to tell me?”
“What do they need to feel safe, seen, and supported?”

Neuroaffirming practice means we see behaviour through a compassionate, curious lens—not a controlling one.

Let’s Talk Language: Words Matter

Our language shapes how autistic people are seen and treated. It can either pathologize, or it can empower.

Here are some language shifts we encourage:

❌ Instead of... ✅ Try saying...

“Suffers from autism” “Is autistic” or “has an autistic neurotype”

“Non-verbal” “Non-speaking” or “uses other ways to communicate”

“High/Low functioning” “Support needs vary across environments”

“Fix the behaviour” “Understand the unmet need”

Using neuro-affirming language is a simple, powerful way to create safer, more respectful spaces for autistic people.

Download Free Campaign Resources

We’ve created a collection of free resources to help families, educators, and professionals celebrate World Autism Month with intention and respect.

📥 Download now:

• “Autism Is…” Carousel Graphics

• “Outdated vs Affirming Language” Poster

• Social Media Templates

• Strengths Snapshot Printable

👉 Click here to download the Free Graphic Pack

Learn With Us – Online Course Offer

✨ Special Offer for April:
Get 50% off our signature online training course:

🎓 Autism Across the Lifespan: Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent People

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand autism through a strengths-based lens

• Support regulation and sensory needs

• Communicate respectfully across differences

• Apply inclusive practice in schools, homes, and the community

📘 Click here to access the course now – Offer ends April 30!

Join the Movement

Inclusion isn’t a one-month campaign—it’s a lifelong commitment.
This April, we invite you to take one step closer to becoming an ally, an advocate, and an affirming presence in the lives of autistic people.

✅ Follow us on Instagram: @theinclusivemovement
✅ Share your story using #AutismInOurWords
✅ Download and share our resources
✅ Explore our inclusive services and trainings

💬 Got questions? Let’s chat: Book a free discovery call

Final Words

“Autism is not a tragedy. The real tragedy is a world that doesn’t listen, doesn’t adapt, and doesn’t include.”

“Let’s choose affirmation over awareness, dignity over diagnosis, and connection over compliance.”

Thank you for being here. For learning. For unlearning. And for building a more inclusive world with us.