What is Autistic Pride?

Why Pride
Rainbow Infinity
Theory of Change
Advisory Board

What is Autistic Pride Day?

Autistic Pride is a global movement led by Autistic people, celebrating identity, strengths and community. It is about visibility, not permission. Pride, not pity.

The Day

Autistic Pride Day is celebrated every year on June 18, but its impact goes far beyond one day. First marked in 2005 by the Autistic-led group Aspies for Freedom (AFF), it was created by and for Autistic people — not as an “awareness” campaign, but as a bold stand for neurodiversity, self-determination and acceptance.

The date was chosen because it was the birthday of AFF’s youngest member. They suggested it, and the group unanimously agreed — a reflection of the future they were working to create.

We honour and thank the original creators of Autistic Pride Day. Their grassroots activism laid the foundations for what is now a global movement.

Our initiative builds on that legacy — creating new tools, platforms, resources and events that keep Autistic leadership at the centre. Every part of this project — including branding, toolkits and programming — is independently created by Just Gold and the Aurum Foundation as part of our impact program.

Why it matters:

Autistic people lead, speak, and set the narrative
Promotes acceptance over awareness
Connects communities worldwide through art, conversation, protest and creativity

How we celebrate:

From local picnics and school displays to panel talks, installations and digital storytelling — Autistic Pride Day events reflect the diversity of the Autistic community. No two are the same, and that’s the point.

Whether it’s June 18 or any other day, Autistic Pride means showing up unapologetically, in our own ways, on our own terms.

If you’re Autistic, this day is for you. If you’re not, it’s your moment to listen, uplift and advocate.

The Rainbow Infinity: A Symbol of Autistic Pride

The rainbow infinity symbol was first introduced in 2005 by Aspies For Freedom, the Autistic-led group that launched the first Autistic Pride Day. As founder Gwen Nelson (formerly Gareth Nelson) put it:

“The meaning is pretty simple:
a spectrum — for the Autistic spectrum.
And forever — as in ‘Autistic forever’.”

The symbol drew inspiration from the gay rights movement, but was always grounded in Autistic experience and activism — never intended to become a generic or tokenistic “autism day.”

A Symbol of Pride, Resistance and Identity

Today, the rainbow infinity is a powerful statement of identity, connection and refusal to be reduced to stereotypes. It represents the infinite diversity of neurotypes and the strengths Autistic people bring to the world.

Why it matters:

It affirms neurodivergence as identity, not pathology
It celebrates endless variation, creativity, and potential
It connects us across cultures, languages and lived experiences

Displaying the symbol — on flags, artwork, clothing or digital spaces — is one way we express pride, challenge stigma, and advocate for change.

A shift in perspective:

The infinity symbol reminds us that we don’t need to be “fixed.” We need to be respected.

The story behind the symbol

Symmetry: A Visual Language of Balance

The symmetrical design of the infinity symbol offers clarity and accessibility. For many visually-oriented Autistic people, it creates a sense of order that is easier to process and connect with.

Colour: Protest, Pride and Reclamation

The gradient palette carries political and cultural meaning:

Red: protest against deficit narratives
Orange: energy, visibility and transformation
Yellow: hope, clarity and forward momentum
Gold: value, authenticity and strength (from ‘Au’ on the periodic table)
Blue: intentionally minimised, rejecting its dominant use in exclusionary campaigns

This isn’t just a colour choice. It’s a statement.

Why We Created Our Own

We honour the legacy of the rainbow infinity symbol — but saw what was missing.

The symbol was being used in watered-down, inconsistent, or inaccessible ways. Its meaning was being lost.

So we created a version that works: structured, deliberate, and built for real-world use.

It’s not a decorative extra — it’s a functional visual standard for a movement that deserves clarity and recognition.

When you’re building something global, design isn’t just aesthetic. It’s strategy.

Theory of Change

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

The Autistic Pride Day initiative is grounded in the belief that pride, visibility and inclusion are powerful tools for structural and cultural change. Our approach is built on four interconnected strategies:

1. Remove Barriers Through Free, Accessible Resources

We provide toolkits, event guides, social media assets, eLearning materials, and information packs — all free and globally accessible.

Why it matters:
Autistic people and allies deserve high-quality resources without cost or gatekeeping. By removing practical barriers to participation, we empower individuals, workplaces, educators and communities to take part meaningfully.

2. Shift Awareness Toward Acceptance and Understanding

We raise awareness not through deficit narratives, but by amplifying Autistic voices and reframing Autism as a natural form of neurodiversity.

Why it matters:
Awareness alone is not enough. True understanding challenges stigma, dismantles stereotypes, and opens doors to equity — in education, healthcare, employment and public life.

3. Build Community and Connection

Autistic Pride Day is a space where Autistic people can be seen, heard and celebrated on our own terms. Whether online or in person, events foster belonging, solidarity and shared celebration.

Why it matters:
Too many Autistic people face isolation. Community connection supports mental health, pride, identity and self-determination — particularly for those who are multiply marginalised.

4. Drive Positive Social Change

By embedding neurodiversity into public discourse and practice, we aim to influence systems and attitudes — from inclusive school policies and hiring practices to broader cultural norms.

Why it matters:
Autistic people are experts in our own lives. When society listens to us, values us, and includes us in decision-making, everyone benefits.

Our Vision

A just world where Autistic people have equal access to opportunity, visibility and voice.

Autistic Pride Day exists to shift systems, cultures and attitudes — so that Autistic people are not merely included, but respected as leaders, creators, workers, educators, advocates and decision-makers in every sphere of life.

We envision a future where:

Autistic identity is a source of pride, not pity
Barriers are dismantled — in policy, practice and public life
Neurodivergent people are celebrated as a natural part of human diversity
All Autistic individuals, regardless of background, diagnosis, or support needs, have access to connection, opportunity and agency

This is not charity. This is equity.

And equity creates opportunity — for everyone.