On Friday 1st April let’s raise awareness of Autism by turn our school blue! We would be delighted to see blue items added to the children’s uniforms to promote Autism awareness. Your child could accessorise their uniform with a blue bow, hairclip or ribbon or they could wear a blue top or pair of socks.

Why blue?

Blue is associated with a calm feeling and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people on the Autistic Spectrum.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong difference in the way a brain develops disability which affects how they communicate, play, learn and interact with the world around them.

Autism Fast Facts

· 1 in 100 people are autistic.

· ASD affects both males and females.

· Autism is a disorder with no cure. You cannot catch it like a cold or the flu.

· Every person with Autism is different and unique. It’s just like how you are different from your friends.

· Their senses work differently and may cause them to be upset or over excited. A light can be too bright and hurt their eyes, or a smell can make their head hurt.

· Individuals with ASD may be very creative and find a passion and talent for music, theatre, art, dance and singing.

Some people have labels to describe how their brains work but actually, we are all different, no two people’s brains work in exactly the same way. People with ASD think differently. That’s okay! The world needs people who think differently. Thinking differently is a superpower! Our differences should be respected and celebrated.

Did you know that these highly successful role models all have Autism?

Chris Packham, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Lionel Messi and Melanie Sykes.

Further information on ASD can be found on the National Autistic Society website- https://www.autism.org.uk/ .

Let’s light up our school blue and let Autism speak.

Many thanks for your support and co-operation.

Mrs S. Mason

Assistant Headteacher