People on the autism spectrum see, hear, feel and experience the world differently

Trying to cope with the everyday can cause stress and anxiety and prevent people on the autism spectrum from fully participating in the world around them – leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion.

Differences in social communication, strong interests and repetitive behaviours mean interacting with others can often be unpredictable and confusing.

Being over-or under-sensitive to sounds, touch, tastes, smells or light can cause sensory overload and make physical and social situations challenging.

By taking part in Ride for autism, you will help break down the barriers that keep people excluded and provide the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum to engage, participate and thrive in the world around them.

But there is more you can do!

It’s up to all of us to adapt our behaviour, perspectives and environments to be inclusive of all people. Some of the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum are provided when the people surrounding them make some adjustments.

Together, in partnership with people on the autism spectrum, we have developed this handy Tips for Autism-friendly and Inclusive Interactions sheet for you to share and use in your everyday life to help create a better, fairer world.

Together, we can create a more inclusive Australia.

Fast Facts

Fact 1:

An estimated 1 in every 70 people in Australia is on the autism spectrum. Along with their family members, this means autism is a part of daily life for over a million Australians. 

Fact 2:

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with other people and his or her environment.

Fact 3:

Because the challenges autism presents are primarily neurological, sometimes autism is referred to as a ‘hidden disability’.

Fact 4:

While the Autistic community share certain characteristics, the word ‘spectrum’ reflects the broad range of highly individual challenges, needs and preferences that people on the autism spectrum have.