think differently - act positively

think differently - act positively: new report on public attitudes to autism launched

The National Autistic Society has launched a new report into public attitudes to autism. think differently - act positively is based on a survey of over 2,000 adults from across the UK. It shows that while many people claim to have heard of autism there is a lack of understanding about what it really means to live with the condition. This has a damaging impact on people affected by autism, who too often experience discrimination, intolerance and isolation.

However, the survey found that the public would be far more willing to engage with people with autism if they understood more about the condition. Furthermore, 84% of parents or grandparents said they would not be concerned about a child with autism joining their child's or grandchild's class and over two thirds (67%) would be happy to work with someone with autism.

Unfortunately, however, these positive affirmations are in stark contrast to the everyday experiences of those living with the disability: 1 in 5 children with autism has been excluded from school, and just 15% of people with autism (in England) are in full-time employment.

Our think differently about autism campaign aims to close the gap between these good intentions and the reality experienced by people living with autism. 

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.think-differently.org.uk

Dowload a copy of the think differently - act positively report from the 'Related resources' section below.

Related resources

• think differently - act positively (PDF)
  Read our new report about what it's really like to live with autism.
• think differently - act positively questionnaire (PDF)
  List of questions asked in our survey into public attitudes to autism

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