In the last week, news articles have claimed schools are making life “too easy for autistic pupils with ear defenders and school uniform exemptions”. And with regards to sunflower lanyards: “Individuals with “hidden disabilities” including “neurodiverse” mental health conditions are able to take advantage of a string of perks when travelling”. We continue to read potentially harmful misinformation about autism in the news, which completely contradicts the reality that autistic adults, children and their families experience every day.

One autistic person told us:

“I feel painfully cut off from other human beings”

And a parent told us:

“My son very rarely leaves the house, he tried [...] but had a bad experience so has not left since then it breaks my heart.”

Behind the headlines are people’s everyday lives. Our survey in 2024* found out that half  (55%) of autistic people avoid going out because they are worried how people will treat them. Nine in 10 autistic people (90%) have experienced poor mental health due to attitudes or perceptions of autism, and 84% have experienced social isolation. This is the hidden impact that a lack of understanding can have.

Some people wear glasses, some people need walking aids, and some people need help to cope with overwhelming places. For some autistic people, the loud, bright and crowded environments of places like airports and supermarkets can be overwhelming, even meltdown-inducing. Unexpected change can cause intense anxiety and distress which can make any form of travel very difficult, even impossible. 

Reasonable adjustments like ear defenders and comfortable clothing are exactly the kind of small changes that can support autistic children to thrive at school. Suggesting these make life “too easy” for autistic children is wrong and a huge step backwards. 

Showing Up

Allowing adjustments for autistic people can make something that was once impossible to consider, just about doable. We call it ‘showing up’. Showing up isn’t about making life ‘too easy’ or giving someone an unfair advantage. It’s about levelling the playing field, by providing support that enables someone just to be able to access the same things as others, whether that’s doing their food shopping, getting on a bus or even getting an education.

For example, making small changes like providing quiet spaces and ear defenders or allowing children to wear clothing they feel comfortable in, that don’t make their skin feel like it’s on fire, causing them constant pain and anguish can make a world of difference for autistic children at school. Showing up for autistic pupils can include allowing students to leave classrooms earlier, so that they can get to their next class free from anxiety. Quiet rooms designed to allow students to have space from overwhelm can be very helpful for some autistic pupils.

Meanwhile, airports have different systems to support autistic people and it is worth researching in advance what support might be available when you’re travelling. It isn’t a case of putting on a lanyard and getting fast track VIP access to first class lounges, whatever the headlines might try to tell you.

It is very easy to find a social media video to back-up any particular tale you wish to spin. But the autistic people we speak to tell us a very different story, of a constant fight for even the most basic support in education, health and social care, employment and public spaces. And that is the day-to-day reality that should really be grabbing the headlines.

*Source: National Autistic Society (2024). Evidence and Research Team, Autism Awareness Survey, 3rd – 16th June 2024, 4231 autistic respondents and 4007 people who support autistic individuals.

Read more about how we’re tackling misinformation: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/campaign/tackling-misinformation