Five important things we want to talk about this April - World Autism Acceptance Month 2025

At Mahaba Cafe, we are proud advocates of World Autism Acceptance Month.

Here are five important things we want to talk about this April. Grab a coffee and have a read. Let's talk all about autism. 

1. It's time for Acceptance and Inclusion.

Over the years, strides have been made in the awareness of human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic individuals.

This year's World Autism Acceptance Month theme is all about celebrating the strengths, weaknesses, differences and moving beyond awareness.

We strongly advocate for true acceptance and inclusion.

Where autistic individuals are included and able to participate in all areas of life without barriers.

Where the experiences and identities of autistic individuals are honoured and celebrated.

2. Autism is a way of being, unique to every individual

We do not use terms such as disorder. This is because autism is not a condition and it's not a deficiency. It's a way of experiencing, processing and looking at the world.

All autistic individuals are just that - individuals. We love the line in this video from Autistic Young Experts that says, "There is no such thing as a typical autistic person".

The autism spectrum is not in a single line from high to low. It's a spectrum and people with autism are all unique with their own strengths, differences and needs.

3. Self-advocacy: We should feel able to express what we need to others

Everyone should feel able to advocate for themselves. We want to draw attention to this Self-advocacy Toolkit for Autistic Young People from the Autism Education Trust.

It's designed by autistic young people for autistic young people to support self–advocacy. It quite rightly states:

"The reason why you are advocating for yourself is so that you can communicate your needs and desires. It is okay to express these to others, and prioritising yourself can feel empowering and motivating."

4. Let's create truly inclusive environments

Much of the world is set up for neurotypical people, isolating those who are neurodiverse. Not only is this distressing for those excluded, but organisations also miss out on the talents of a significant subset of the population. Inclusive workplaces aren’t just better for autistic individuals; they’re better for everyone. Watch this video from the National Autistic Society from the perspective of an employee with autism.

Have a read of this blog by Arthur -  a member of the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board and on the Autistic Spectrum.

"My autism provided me with a unique perspective. Running on an operating system that is adept to organisation, planning and dependability, it allows me to give talks and presentations, fit meetings around school and other commitments. I found my passion, which was an amazing feeling that inspired me to push through and join my local youth council and apply to be a part of the UNICEF UK Youth Advisory Board. My differences are my strongest superpowers. I understand that now."

If you are an employer, you can make simple adjustments to make the environment more autism-friendly.

We love this resource on the National Autistic Society website geared towards adapting customer service to be autism-friendly, but it could easily be adapted for many workplaces.  

Or take a look at this easy-to-follow checklist.

5. Let's bust some myths:

Finally, let's move beyond unhelpful myths and stereotypes about autism and embrace the individual first and foremost.

Check out this page from Ambitious about Autism and see some of the myths they debunk below:

MYTH: Autistic people are shy and introverted

Autistic people might socialise in a different way to neurotypical people, but this does not mean that it's wrong or a deficit; it's just different. Lots of autistic people want friendships and are very loyal and caring friends. 

MYTH: Autism is a learning disability

Not true. A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example, household tasks, socialising, or managing money. Some autistic people also have a learning disability, but some do not. 

MYTH: All autistic people have special abilities

The outdated stereotype that all autistic people are geniuses is incorrect and unhelpful. Lots of autistic people have intense special interests and may have a lot of knowledge about a favourite subject, but it depends entirely on the person.

MYTH: Autistic people are not capable of feeling empathy

As the writer "Jo" says at the end of her article, as part of the National Autistic Society: "The stereotype that autistic people don’t have any empathy. I think that’s still hanging around. Some autistic people just don’t show it in the same way that a neurotypical person might."

Mahaba Café is more than just a café. It is a social enterprise that creates a safe and inclusive space for young people with learning difficulties & autism to learn and grow.