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 Disabilities) who live in, go to school at, or access a GP in the city of Manchester.

We’ll enjoy some nice food and refreshments together.

There will be plenty of activities to enjoy together – Lego, arts and crafts, board games.

We will also bring our Book Library so you can explore some fantastic books about autism, neurodiversity, the SEND system, and more! (On-the-day reading only; please don’t take the books home!)

Booking is required but you can drop in any time between 4 to 6pm!

Important Notes:

• You are responsible for your own children’s safety throughout the session.
• This event is exclusively for families of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children & young people living in the city of Manchester (or if they go to a Manchester-based school or accesses a Manchester-based GP).
• Siblings without SEND are also welcome to join.

What makes it “SEND-Friendly”?

Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) is committed to making the event as welcoming and comfortable as possible. You can expect:

• This event is exclusive to families of children and young people with additional needs and/or disabilities.
• Peace of Mind – All MPCF staff and volunteers have lived experience of SEND so you can rest assured that there will be a level of empathy and understanding with any needs, difficulties or quirks that may arise on the day. Please speak to a member of the team if you have a request to make for a better experience. We will also be supported by MFT’s Autism Navigators who are experienced in supporting families of neurodivergent children.
• A Quieter Experience – We can reduce the volume and/or request for some lights to be kept on/ switched off, if needed, ensuring that your visit will not be too overwhelming.
• Accessibility Considerations – The room that we will be using in the centre is accessible to wheelchair and buggy users.
• In Your Own Time – No need to rush and bustle. Whether you are coming late or have to leave early, it’s okay with us.

What is World Autism Acceptance Day?

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, which this year would be the week commencing the 30th of March.

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