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The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007. Since then, the UN has worked to promote the full realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals, ensuring their equal participation in society.

Here at MPCF, we prefer to say ‘Acceptance’ rather than just ‘Awareness’, as we believe that true celebration of neurodiversity requires acceptance of everyone’s differences rather than just knowing about it. In the words of an I CAN Network mentee, “Awareness means you know I’m here. Acceptance means you’re happy to see me.”

World Autism Acceptance Week is also celebrated in the week that includes the 2nd of April; in 2026, this would be the week commencing the 30th of March.

The whole of April is also known as Autism Acceptance Month.

Below are some articles and events about World Autism Acceptance Week that are on our website:

World Autism Acceptance Day Celebration

This Autism Acceptance Day, let's celebrate neurodiversity by acknowledging the importance of all neurotypes. Whether you're autistic, neurotypical or neurodivergent in any other way, you're welcome to join this inclusive get-together amongst parents, carers, children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or

By |2026-03-30T12:49:07+01:00April 2nd, 2026|Categories: , , , |Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Autism Acceptance Cinema Screening – “Life, Animated”

We have now opened this event to all families of autistic and neurodivergent (ND) children and young people. If you are ND yourself or you have an autistic/neurodivergent child or young person in the family, we'd love to enjoy the movie with you on

By |2024-04-14T11:18:54+01:00April 16th, 2024|Categories: , |Tags: , , , , , , |
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What Does Autism Mean to You?

We have now opened this activity to all families of autistic children and young people, plus we extended the deadline to 9pm on Sunday, 14 April. If you are autistic yourself or you have an autistic child/ young person in the family, please feel

By |2024-04-14T11:13:47+01:00April 3rd, 2024|Categories: Celebration, Events, Projects|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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World Autism Acceptance Week Film Screening (for Parents)

To celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week*, we will be holding a FREE film screening session on Tuesday, 16 April, exclusively for parents/carers of autistic and neurodivergent children and young people who go to one of Manchester's Autism in Schools (AiS) schools**. We would like

By |2024-04-04T16:25:59+01:00April 1st, 2024|Categories: Celebration, Events, Projects|Tags: , , , |
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Manchester Parent Carer Forum is a group of parents and carers of disabled children who work with Manchester Local Authorities, Education Settings, Health Providers and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children and young people (0-25 years), as well as their families, in Manchester.

We have a steering group of parent and carer volunteers who lead this work and listen to the views of other parents and carers in the local area to make sure they know what is important to them.

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