Celebrating Neurodiversity this Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote greater understanding, inclusion and acceptance of autistic people. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing insights from the Aspens community and hosting exciting events to bring people together in support of autism acceptance.

Why Autism Acceptance Matters

This month is an opportunity for everyone to come together to create a more inclusive society - one where autistic people are supported, understood and empowered.

At Aspens, we provide vital support to autistic children, young people, and adults across the South-East, along with their families.

Currently, around 700,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed as autistic, but experts estimate that over 750,000 individuals, especially women and girls, remain undiagnosed. Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. Because every autistic person is unique, autism is often described as a spectrum.

We’ve created a graphic that highlights some of the key challenges autistic people, and those with learning disabilities, face, as well as the impact of the support we provide.

Events to Celebrate

Stars of Aspens Day – 2 April (World Autism Awareness Day)

To kick off the month, we’re hosting Stars of Aspens Day! The people we support - along with our dedicated team - will be dressing as movie stars to celebrate the shining stars in our community.

Many will also be taking part in fun fundraising activities to support our work. We’d love for you to get involved too! Dress as your favourite movie star and share your photos with us on social media so we can feature them on our pages!

International BBQ – 15 April

Later in the month, we’re hosting an International BBQ with delicious food, games, and activities for the people we support and our staff. Stay tuned - we’ll be sharing the best moments on our social media channels!

Get Involved

Autism Acceptance Month is all about action and inclusion. Whether you show support online or donate to help fund our vital work, every contribution makes a difference in creating a more inclusive world for autistic people.

Donate to Aspens here.

Facebook

Instagram

Latest

Learning Disability Week 2026: Do You See Me?

Learning Disability Week is here - and we’re celebrating identity, visibility and the power of being recognised. Throughout the week we’ll be shining a light on the people at the heart of Aspens. Read more here and follow along on our socials.
Aspens Responds to Landmark Supreme Court Ruling on Deprivation of Liberty

A recent landmark Supreme Court ruling has reshaped how deprivation of liberty is defined - with major implications for autistic people and those with learning disabilities. Aspens is deeply concerned and will continue to advocate for safety, rights and dignity of the people we support. Read our full response here.
Summer Holiday Fun at The Bluebell Cafe

If you're looking for a fantastic and low-cost day out with the family this summer holidays come and visit our Bluebell Cafe and animal farm on Cornford Lane, Pembury! Sizzling summer BBQs, creative crafty sessions and a FREE activity trail!
Fire at Pembury Residence – All Individuals Safe

A fire at one of our Pembury properties on 5 June led to a full and safe evacuation. Our teams are continuing to support everyone affected while the building undergoes repair and assessment.

Bluebell Cafe and animal farm, Pembury

Come and visit Aspens' Bluebell Cafe near Pembury Village, just outside Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Our Cafe is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (Wednesday 11am-4pm) and serves hot drinks, meals and snacks. Our site also has a woodland walk, an animal farm and a children's playground. Over the summer we are often open at the weekends - check our page for more details.
West Sussex children and young people's service

We provide support to young people on the neurodevelopmental pathway to help them become independent and confident individuals. We offer a range of services to young people aged 8-18 years living in West Sussex, including those who are in or out of education.
About us

A summary of Aspens, including the people the charity supports, the services provided and the areas covered. Aspens' services include those for Children and Young People, Adults and Family and Specialist Support and the charity operates in Kent, Bexley, Surrey East Sussex and West Sussex.
Family support

At Aspens, we walk alongside families supporting neurodivergent individuals, those with a learning disability, or other complex needs. We aim to empower families to feel confident, connected, and supported in the ways that work best for them. We welcome all family members – whether you're a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend – of any age.
Contact us

How to contact Aspens and the locations of our central offices in Pembury, Tunbridge Wells; Battle and Littlehampton.
East Sussex children and young people's services

Details of Aspens children's services in East Sussex. Aspens offers services for children and young people with disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, and those with complex needs aged 8-25 (18-25 with EHCP). Our services support those who may be in or out of education, facing social isolation or unable to access group-based activities.
Adopt an Aspens animal

Visit our wonderful animal farm situated at our site at Cornford Lane, Pembury, near Tunbridge Wells. We have a range of animals big and small, from guinea pigs and ferrets to ponies, emus and alpacas! It's free to come and say 'hi', we simply ask that you consider leaving a donation to help support our work.
Specialist support

Aspens’ Specialist Service provides person-centred, strengths-based support for families of neurodivergent children and young people, whether they have a formal diagnosis or not, including those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.
Roebuck enterprises

Aspens' Roebuck Enterprises Centre in Hastings, East Sussex, offers a variety of creative workshops for development and enjoyment, such as drama, baking and crafts, for adults with autism, associated needs and learning disabilities.
Request support

How to request support for our family, specialist, children and young people's and adult services.

Children and Young People’s Senior Support Worker (Group Lead)

Work with young people and children aged 8-18 years with Special Education Needs and Disabilities to help develop individual skills and confidence in all aspects of daily life, including building positive relationships, activities, leisure and social skills. Read more