The National Autistic Society is inviting schools, workplaces and supporters across the UK to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Month (Thursday 2 April – Thursday 30 April 2026).
As the biggest event in the charity’s calendar, the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness, celebrate autism acceptance and raise vital funds, with various exciting activities for people to take part in. This year’s key focus areas are education and employment, helping to create a society that works for autistic people.
Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are autistic, which equates to at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
There are lots of different and creative ways to get involved and raise funds during World Autism Acceptance Month, including:
- Walk 5k this April - Wherever you are, walk your 5km your own way
- Join one of three Spectrum Colour Walks at London’s Battersea Park
- Take part in a brand-new challenge for 2026, Spectrum Run 10k
- Fundraise your way
- Download free school resources to help increase autism awareness in the classroom
Visit the World Autism Acceptance Month fundraising resources page for further inspiration and to download useful information and fundraising materials.
The National Autistic Society is encouraging supporters to share their stories and celebrations over the month by tagging social media posts with: #WorldAutismAcceptanceMonth. There is also a press and social media guide available online, to make it even easier to spread the word.
Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, said: “Raising awareness of the many challenges that autistic people face has never been more important.
“Autistic people are forced to overcome numerous barriers in their daily lives, battling discrimination in areas that neurotypical people may take for granted, such as having access to a full range of education and employment opportunities. With your support, we can continue to improve understanding of autism and help autistic people to follow their ambitions in the face of such barriers.
“We’d love to see as many people as possible getting involved this year with the fun and accessible events we’re holding, including our brand-new Spectrum Run 10k. We very much look forward to welcoming participants and celebrating everyone’s achievements throughout April.”
Every penny raised during World Autism Acceptance Month goes towards the National Autistic Society’s aim to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for all autistic people. Find out more at www.autism.org.uk
