Sue Curr

And ... We're Off!

DIFFERENTLY ABLED

Navigating the world through the eyes of a highly functioning, differently abled Autistic Child in the UK in 2024 can be very challenging

Equally. living as an autistic child in the UK in 2024 presents a unique set of both challenges and opportunities

Without doubt, progress has been made in understanding and accommodating neurodiversity in the last few years BUT there's still a long journey ahead as we strive to create a society that fully embraces, accepts and supports individuals on the autism spectrum

Education and Support:

One significantly challenging aspect of life for autistic children in the UK is education. Whilst positive efforts have been made to provide better support within mainstream schools, including specialised resources and trained staff. The area remains one that is woefully under resourced and under funded

Many autistic children are sadly still facing barriers to accessing an appropriate education tailored to their needs

Even though there's a growing recognition of the importance of early intervention and much needed input by the support services, it is nevertheless still a woefully underfunded and under resourced area of both our educational and mental health services

In order to better assist our differently abled neurodivergent youngsters and their families in navigating the complexities of the education system. We need to be able to work more effectively towards addressing these "key areas"

**Social Inclusion:**
Social inclusion (or increasingly often exclusion)remains a significant concern for autistic children and their families

Whilst there's a growing awareness of autism. Misconceptions and stigma are still endemic in our "not so informed" 21st, Century society

Meaning, that it's increasingly important that the barriers our autistic children continue to face, in order to be better able to fully participate in social activities ... need to come down and quickly

For sure, initiatives aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance, such as autism-friendly events and community programs, are making strides in fostering a more inclusive environment

However, more work is needed to ensure that our autistic children feel valued and accepted for who, as opposed to what they are.

**Employment and Independence:**

Transitioning into adulthood can be daunting for autistic individuals in terms of entering the world of employment and independent living

In many areas despite efforts to promote workplace diversity and inclusion, autistic adults still face significant barriers to finding and maintaining employment. Initiatives focused on providing vocational training, job coaching, and creating inclusive work environments are essential in empowering the autistic person to achieve their full potential and live their best possible lives

**Advocacy and Empowerment:**

Advocacy plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and driving systemic change. Self-advocacy groups and organizations led by autistic individuals are advocating for their rights and promoting acceptance and inclusion in all aspects of society

By empowering autistic children and their families to advocate for themselves and educating the broader community about autism, we can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive society for all

Whilst there have been positive strides in improving the lives of autistic children in the UK, there is still much work to be done

By prioritising education, social inclusion, employment opportunities, and advocacy efforts, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive in life as opposed to merely survive

For me?

Events and initiatives such as the Walk for Autism Event between March 26th and April 2nd - on WORLD AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY are vital with regard to not only raising awareness of the journey our "Differently Abled" youngsters will travel through life BUT equally provide better opportunities to de-stigmatise, positively educate and better inform those who live outside the autistic community

Long may events such as this continue ... thanks for reading, for your support and encouragement and moreover ...  for caring enough to do so

Believe me - YOU ARE making a difference

Sue 💙

I'm walking for George 💙

Hi Everyone 💚

A quick heads up to say that I'm raising funds to raise a more informed awareness of how Autism can & DOES impact on the lives, not only of those blessed to be neurodivergent but their wider family!

From my heart to yours I invite you to please sponsor me today as I’m going to be taking part in the Walk for Autism 2024 Challenge

My personal aim is to walk a minimum of 10,000 steps per day from 26th March to 5th April, 2024 = 100,000 steps

Trust me for these very short, neuropathically challenenged  legs?

That's no mean feat!

If you feel inclined to help me and at the same time contribute to making a difference in the lives of those who "just happen to be autistic"?

Please know that ANY amount will be gratefully received 🙏🙏🙏

Note: Walk for Autism is a fundraising challenge run by Autism Initiatives Group. Autism Initiatives Group is working towards a world where every person on the autism spectrum has the support they need to thrive, every opportunity to fulfil their potential and a supportive, inclusive community to live in

Sounds Good doesn't it?

As such I thank you in advance both for your help and your generosity 

Many, MANY thanks

Sue xxx