Autistic Pride Day is a pride celebration for autistic people held on 18 June each year. Autistic pride recognises the importance of pride for autistic people and its role in bringing about positive changes in the broader society. Whilst we consider every day at Breakthrough autistic pride day, we absolutely recognise the importance of awareness days like this in developing a better understanding of autism in wider society.
The rainbow infinity symbol is used as the symbol of this day, representing “diversity with infinite variations and infinite possibilities”. Autistic pride points out that autistic people have always been an important part of human society. Being autistic is a form of neurodiversity. As with all forms of neurodiversity, most of the challenges autistic people face come from other people’s attitudes towards autism and a lack of support, rather than anything particular to the autistic condition itself.
We wanted to celebrate some of the strengths and abilities that can often come with an autism diagnosis:
- Learning to read at a very early age (known as hyperlexia).
- Memorising and learning information quickly.
- Thinking and learning in a visual way.
- Logical thinking ability.
- May excel (if able) in academic areas such as science, engineering and mathematics as they are technical and logical subjects that do not heavily rely on social interaction.
- Having an extraordinarily good memory (being able to remember facts for a long period of time).
- Being precise and detail orientated.
- Exceptional honesty and reliability.
- Being dependable in regards to schedules and routines.
- Having an excellent sense of direction.
- Be very punctual.
- Strong adherence to rules.
- Able to concentrate for long periods of time when motivated.
- A drive for perfection and order.
- A capability for alternate problem solving.
- A rare freshness and sense of wonderment.
Definitely just some of the many reasons to be proud this weekend – and all year round!
