Autism Awareness Day 2025.

Autism Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to shed light on the challenges neurodiverse individuals face daily. Beyond awareness, it’s essential to focus on small, meaningful changes that can create more inclusive environments, whether at school, home, or in the workplace. By educating ourselves and making these adjustments, we can help individuals on the autism spectrum feel more supported and understood. Let’s take this opportunity to not just raise awareness, but to take action toward a more inclusive world.

Understanding Autism and its challenges

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with usually an early onset and comes with a variety of challenges. People in the Autism spectrum disorder are different from each other, but share some similarities in the way they think, feel, and react in certain situations.

There are several difficulties people in the Autism spectrum disorder face, one being their social interactions. Usually, people in the ASD have trouble socialising as they think and react differently than some non-autistic people in social situations, thats not say that they can’t form healthy and rewarding relationships with other people.

In addition to finding social situations exhausting and experiencing communication difficulties, individuals on the autism spectrum often thrive when following a routine. They prefer structure and organization in their daily lives.

Moreover, sensory sensitivities are common among autistic individuals, making them more reactive to certain stimuli compared to neurotypical people. For example, bright lights, strong smells, or loud noises may be overwhelming for an autistic child or an autistic person in the workplace.” (NAS, 2025)

Small changes that make a big difference

There are several things we can do different to help people in the ASD feel included and understood. To begin with, here are some ways you can help your child in the ASD feel more comfortable at home if they are sensitive to a specific sense. (Allen, 2024).

• Sight: If your child is hypersensitive to light, consider adjusting the lighting by changing its color or dimming it. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and instead opt for softer lamps or natural light from windows

• • If they are hyposensitive, incorporating bright or flickering lights in toys can help provide the stimulation they seek.

• Sound: For children who are hypersensitive to sound, noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help reduce overwhelming noise. If possible, prepare them in advance for loud sounds you can anticipate.

• • If they are hyposensitive, try speaking slightly louder when communicating or playing music to engage their auditory senses.

• Touch: If your child is sensitive to touch, be mindful of fabrics that may cause discomfort and opt for softer materials. Removing clothing tags and introducing sensory boxes with materials like beans or sand can help them gradually adapt to different textures.

• • For children who are hyposensitive to touch, consider tactile toys such as Play-Doh, which allow them to explore textures in a controlled way.

• Smell: If your child is hypersensitive to smells, try using unscented soaps and household products whenever possible.

• • Conversely, if they are hyposensitive, introducing stronger scents through scented soaps, essential oils, or outdoor activities may provide helpful stimulation.

• Taste: Pay close attention to your child’s food preferences and sensitivities. If certain tastes or textures cause distress, ensure that caregivers are aware of their preferences to maintain proper nutrition. Offering a variety of acceptable flavors can help balance their diet while respecting their sensory needs.

Supporting Autistic Individuals in Schools and the Workplace

In addition, similar adjustments can be made in schools to help autistic students feel included and understood. For instance, allowing earplugs for students who are sensitive to noise, reducing strong smells, or dimming the lights to a comfortable level can create a more accommodating environment.

Moreover, maintaining predictability and minimizing sudden changes in the classroom is essential, as autistic individuals thrive in structured and routine-based settings. Identifying their interests and, if possible, introducing them to a social club related to those interests can help them build connections. In general, it is beneficial to provide autistic students with clearly defined roles or assignments and to avoid unexpected changes. (Autism Speaks, 2024).

In the workplace, various accommodations can be implemented to support autistic employees. First and foremost, addressing sensory sensitivities—such as adjusting lighting, reducing noise, and being mindful of other environmental factors—can make a significant difference.

Additionally, educating coworkers on effective communication, empathy, and understanding fosters a more inclusive workplace culture. When interacting with an autistic colleague, using clear, direct, and gentle communication can be beneficial. If eye contact makes them uncomfortable, respect their preference and focus on active listening to ensure their needs and concerns are acknowledged. (Autism Toolkit, 2024).

Conclusion

Autism Awareness Day is more than just a moment to raise awareness, it’s a call to action. By making small but meaningful changes in our homes, schools, and workplaces, we can foster a world where autistic individuals feel valued, understood, and supported. Whether it’s adjusting sensory environments, promoting inclusive communication, or advocating for structured routines, these efforts create lasting positive change. True acceptance comes not just from recognizing differences but from embracing them and ensuring that every autistic person has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s move beyond awareness and take real steps toward inclusivity, making the world a better place for everyone.

Dorotheos Charalambous.