April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!

By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Tuesday April 2, 2024

As we enter the month of April, we are reminded of the importance of Autism Awareness. April is globally recognised as Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

At Kaikorai, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students, including those with autism. To commemorate Autism Acceptance Month, we are hosting an "autism hour" event on Wednesday, April 10th, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

During this special hour, we will make adjustments to create a sensory-friendly atmosphere. We will turn down the lights to reduce visual stimulation, lower the noise level to minimise auditory input, and create a calm and welcoming environment for everyone, especially for our autistic students.

We encourage children to participate by wearing hoodies on that day. Hoodies are more than just cosy attire; for many autistic individuals, they serve as a tool to cope with sensory challenges. Hoodies provide a soft and comforting sensation, helping to block out overwhelming sensory input and providing a sense of security for those who are sensitive to touch and texture.

By wearing hoodies, our students not only show support for their peers but also help raise awareness about the diverse ways people experience and interact with the world.

Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a nurturing and inclusive school environment.

Please visit Autism NZ for more information and to donate if you wish.