Sheffield’s first Autism Friendly Festival will see the city coming together from 15th to 17th April as part of World Autism Acceptance Month for 2025.
The festival’s aim is to empower, support and celebrate autistic people, improve others’ understanding of autism, and inspire action to make Sheffield a more autism friendly city.
This year’s World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM) will “Celebrate Differences” and encourages everyone to see that each person is unique, and that their differences are a normal part of life. Instead of thinking of autism as a condition that needs to be fixed, the world should celebrate the differences autism brings.
World Autism Awareness Day started off the month of celebrations on 2nd April and is internationally recognised every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about autistic people throughout the world.
Sheffield’s festival will run over three days and is supported by organisations, individuals and partners in the city who want to raise autism awareness and how it affects people’s lives in different ways. There will be a series of events and activities spread hosted across various venues near the city centre in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University.
“We really hope that people can get involved in this festival and take something away from any events that they attend as part of the three days of activities. It’s the first festival of its kind in Sheffield and we’re pleased that we have been able to do this for 2025.
“If you’re autistic, know someone who is autistic, or if you teach or employ autistic people, you will be able to meet others like you and hear what they have to say about autism and be part of shaping how Sheffield can become more autism friendly. We look forward to welcoming you to the festival.”Councillor Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Committee at Sheffield City Council
“Sheffield Hallam University has been a longstanding collaborator in creating better care for those with the greatest needs and fostering inclusive communities where autistic people, along with the wider neurodiverse population, including those with learning disabilities, feel engaged.
“As a learning disability nurse and social worker focusing on research and teaching future practitioners, I am confident that we have made significant progress in raising awareness of various conditions and the idea of neurodiversity. However, we also recognise that our work is not done yet, and we must strive to create an Autism and Disability Friendly Sheffield where people can meaningfully contribute and be involved in community life.
“I am proud that the University has partnered with the Council and various organisations to host the first Sheffield Autism Festival. World Autism Acceptance Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the experiences of autistic people. Together, we can reach more and change attitudes faster.”Dr Anita Z Goldschmied, Senior Lecturer in Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work at Sheffield Hallam University
Events and activities have been organised sensitively for autistic people, with a quiet room and limited numbers of people. Speaker events will also be recorded and made available online after the festival.
The festival programme includes:
Learn how to make Sheffield more autism friendly, April 15
A drop-in session at Sheffield Town Hall between 10am and 4pm where you can learn about the services and support available in Sheffield for autistic people and their families and carers. A range of services and voluntary groups that provide support for autistic people will be available to speak to. There will also be a quiet room available. No booking required.
Autism Experience Bus, April 15, 16 and 17
This unique experience offers insight into how some neurodiverse people perceive the world. This experience encompasses a wide range of perspectives. It was developed in partnership with more than 100 people with various neurodiverse diagnoses, sensory occupational therapists, and the National Autistic Society. It will be especially beneficial for staff and services working with Autistic people who would like to improve understanding of how they experience services.
A series of talks
These will be delivered by autistic people and those working with autistic people on topics such as:
• Supporting Autism-Friendly Services
• Neuro-inclusion in Employment, Higher Education & Research
• Breaking Barriers: Addressing the Challenges of Accessing Health, Education and Social Care for Young Autistic People and their Families
• Benefits of Inclusive Employment
Art Exhibition, April 15, 16 and 17
At the Stoddart Building, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 1WB. No booking required.
Other activities including nature walks and a gameboard session for autistic people, led by autistic people.
Bookings for events can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/sheffield-cares-104233364621 - tickets are limited.