What is Autistic Pride?

Why Pride
Rainbow Infinity
Theory of Change
Advisory Board

What is Autistic Pride Day?

Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration that takes place on June 18th. It’s a day where we get to show off and celebrate our unique Autistic identity and all the amazing things we bring to the world.

The first Autistic Pride Day started in the early 2000s, and it’s been growing in popularity ever since. The day is all about promoting acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity, and challenging the idea that autism is something that needs to be cured.

Autistic Pride Day is really important because it gives us a chance to come together as a community, share our experiences, and support each other. We celebrate with all kinds of awesome events, like rallies, marches, and art exhibitions, which help raise awareness about autism and promote inclusion of autistic people in society.

While the official date for Autistic Pride Day is June 18th, we can celebrate our awesome selves and the awesome Autistic community anytime we want! So if you’re Autistic, get involved and show the world how amazing you are. And if you’re not Autistic, show your support and spread the word about the importance of acceptance and inclusion for autistic individuals.

Autistic Pride Day is all about celebrating our unique identity and the diversity of the human experience. Let’s embrace our differences, promote understanding, and make the world a more accepting and inclusive place for everyone.

Rainbow Infinity

We, as individuals on the Autism spectrum, have found a powerful symbol of identity and pride in the rainbow infinity symbol. This symbol represents the infinite potential and diversity of our community, reflecting the unique strengths and qualities of each individual on the spectrum.

For many of us, the rainbow infinity symbol has become a way to connect with others who share our experiences and to advocate for greater understanding and acceptance of Autism. By wearing or displaying the symbol, we are able to express our identity and show our support for the neurodiversity movement, which emphasises the value and strengths of individuals on the Autism spectrum.

The symbol also represents a shift in the way we think about Autism, moving away from a focus on deficits and challenges and towards a more positive and accepting view of neurodivergent individuals as a natural variation of human diversity. This shift in perspective is crucial for creating a more inclusive and accepting society, where all individuals, regardless of their neurotype, are valued and celebrated for who they are.

The story behind the symbol

Symmetry

As a collective, we have reimagined the rainbow infinity tool to represent the diversity and infinite potential of individuals on the Autism spectrum. The symmetrical lines of the symbol hold particular significance for concrete thinkers, providing a visual representation of balance and harmony that is easier to interpret.

Colour

The intentional use of gradient colours in the symbol is inspired by the LGBTQIA+ community flag and the absence of the colour blue serves as a protest against messages perpetuated by organisations like Autism Speaks. The red gradient represents this protest, while the choice to exclude blue from the symbol reflects the desire of many on the Autism spectrum to distance ourselves from the negative associations of the blue puzzle piece that has been used in marketing campaigns. Instead, the strong use of gold (represented by ‘Au’ in the periodic table), a popular symbol among the Autistic community, reflects the value and worth of individuals on the spectrum.

Symbolism

Together, these colors and symbols create a powerful message of identity, pride, and resistance against harmful messages and stigma, serving as a beacon of hope and connection for those on the autism spectrum

Theory of Change

The theory of change for the Autistic Pride Day initiative is as follows:

Provide free resources: By providing free resources such as social media graphics, event guides, eLearning and informational materials, the initiative makes it easier for autistic individuals and allies to participate in Autistic Pride Day and promote awareness about autism.
Increase awareness: By spreading the word about Autistic Pride Day and the importance of neurodiversity, the initiative aims to increase awareness and understanding of Autism in society. This can help challenge the stigma and discrimination that autistic individuals face and promote acceptance and inclusion.
Foster a sense of community: Autistic Pride Day provides an opportunity for Autistic individuals to come together and celebrate their unique identity. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the initiative can help reduce isolation and promote self-esteem and confidence.
Encourage positive social change:By promoting acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity, the Autistic Pride Day initiative aims to encourage positive change in society. This can include changes in policies and practices that promote inclusion and support for autistic individuals, as well as changes in attitudes and beliefs about Autism.