Autism Acceptance Month

Temple Grandin, “Acceptance is the key to unlocking the potential of every person. The world needs different kinds of minds to work together”.

The month of April is Autism Acceptance Month and the book club wanted to discuss and read books that were written by autistic writers or that authentically represented autism. It is important to see neurodiversity represented and to read stories that have neuro-diverse characters, these are stories worth telling and variety avoids a single narrative. The portrayal of characters means stereotypes can be challenged, it makes us feel like we are valued and that all our stories and perspectives matter.

The month started with author, Karen O Mahony who wrote Riding the Rainbow. Her arrival was met with a group of interested students who greeted her with rainbow ice lollipops and skittles to represent the rainbow. Her visit to the school was informative and inspiring. Karen spoke about her own experiences of autism and gave us some fantastic and practical sensory recommendations for the library. She spoke about how difficult school life can be at times for students on the spectrum and how small changes can be of significant benefit. It was interesting to know how noise, smell, colour, clutter or classroom practices can affect the learning process. “Inclusion is only a word, unless actions are taken to make it possible”.

It was this visit that inspired us to do a no uniform Rainbow Day. During the month of April, any school or business can fundraise to raise money for the club. The Rainbow club provides unique and necessary opportunities. It is a centre that provides support and intervention to children, adults and families. On Tuesday 30th of April, BCS students came to school in every colour of the rainbow to represent the spectrum and the beauty of difference. The kaleidoscope of colour ranged from bursts of orange in a tie, to rainbow shoes, multi-coloured blazers and colourful odd socks. First year and Transition year students created rainbow art and this was displayed in the school canteen. It will be framed and kept in the school permanently. The Book Club signed anti- bullying pledges. Bullying can affect anyone but studies show that students who are neuro-divergent are more likely to face bullying than their peers.

During the month of April, Niamh Garvey launched her now bestselling book, Wired Our Own Way. I attended the launch to learn more and was impressed how Dubray book shop has sensory maps, quiet spaces allocated and a planned itinerary. The book itself is a fantastic expression of many autistic voices and experiences. In it there is an important quote reminding the reader, that anything that benefits that autistic community, benefits everyone.

As April comes to an end, the book club finish reading their chosen novel of The Curious Incident of the Dog by Mark Haddon. Collectively we raised 300 euro for the Rainbow Club. The shift from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance is still happening in our society. It is in finishing the novel and in the learning experiences of this month that we are reminded that “the pen is mightier than the sword, for by the sword mortal battles wage, but by the pen entire cultures are swayed”.

K.White