Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrating Community, Advocacy and Support in Leeds

April is Autism Acceptance Month:

A time to celebrate neurodiversity, raise our understanding, and support the brilliant work happening across Leeds with and for autistic people, and their families, carers and support networks. Collectively we can bring about a cultural shift in which autism, and other neurodivergences are fully accepted.

Leeds has a vibrant community driven third sector, with many organisations deeply committed to advocacy, accessibility and inclusion for people with autism and learning disabilities. These organisations provide a range of services: one-to-one support, social groups, advice sessions, creative workshops and more, and they are a vital part of our community, and a life line for many, all year round.

Local Autism and Learning Disability Organisations in Leeds and West Yorkshire

Forum Central brings together the Learning Disability Network which is made up of over 100 VCSE organisations. This enables us to see the fantastic and important work that goes on in this space from a diverse range of organisations. We are proud to work closely with many of these organisations and we have listed some of these below.

You can find all of our member organisations on our Member Directory:

• Forum Central Member Directory – Filter by ‘Learning Disability’ to find relevant organisations near you.

The below is just a selection of organisations and groups that have an Autism or Learning Disability focus local to Leeds and West Yorkshire:

• Aspire CBS
• Advonet  –  Leep1
• Connect in the North
• Leeds Autism Services
• Leeds Autism AIM – which is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this month!
• Leeds Involving People
• Leeds Mencap
• Lighthouse Futures Trust
• Lippy People
• People in Action
• People Matters
• Purple Patch Arts
• Pyramid of Arts
• SNAPs Yorkshire
• Specialist Autism Services
• Swarthmore Education Centre
• Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC

Each of these organisations offers something unique, and together they help make Leeds a more inclusive city for everyone.

Find support and get connected

If you are looking for services, support or ways to get involved, here are some great resources to explore:

• Through the Maze – A simple and clear website aimed at people with learning disabilities packed with information, services and groups for adults with learning disabilities and autism.
• SEND Local Offer – A Leeds City Council resource with information aimed at parents, carer and the support networks of children and young people with ‘special educational needs’ and disabilities.
• Mind Well – Leeds mental health and wellbeing directory – you can filter to show groups based on what support are you looking for.

National Autism Acceptance Month Resources

• National Autistic Society
• It’s How You Show Up Campaign
• Autism Together – activity ideas, fun book, bunting, sponsorship template

Let’s keep learning, listening and working together towards culture and system change – not just this month, but all year round.