Equality Every Day: Shifting autism awareness to acceptance

For decades, much of the conversation and focus with regards to autism has been on awareness. Awareness is a good start, and has certainly brought visibility to autism, but the time has come to go beyond that.

Autism acceptance is about granting agency to autistic people. Rather than seeing them as tragic victims of their own neurology, they are people with their own minds, who experience challenges others might not. It is about shaping a world that treats autistic people equitably.

Candice Eaton Gaul, Global Leader – Diversity & Inclusion at RSM International, and Conor Mullins, Marketing Communications Executive at RSM International, offer a collaborative perspective on the shift from awareness to acceptance. Candice, as a neurotypical individual, draws valuable insights from Conor, who is autistic, highlighting the importance of mutual learning and understanding. Together, they explore how organisations and individuals can implement meaningful changes to foster greater inclusion and acceptance.

Defining neurodiversity and its importance

Neurodiversity recognises the natural variations in how people's brains function. There is no single “correct” way of thinking, learning or behaving. This level of understanding ensures that the experiences of autistic people are acknowledged; autism is not a problem to be fixed. It is part of the spectrum of human diversity.

Autism shapes how people connect with the world and themselves. The term “spectrum” highlights wide variability; every autistic individual is unique in their abilities and challenges. Some may require extensive support in daily activities, while others may need only minimal accommodations. Understanding these differences is essential to creating an environment where autistic people feel valued and supported.

The necessity of moving from awareness to acceptance

While many are "aware" of autism—thanks in part to pop culture and advocacy campaigns—this awareness often tells an incomplete story.

Since the 1980s, there has been a significant increase in awareness of autism. Films and pop culture did a lot to raise awareness of autism among the general public. Many non-profit organisations, too, have been formed to raise awareness of autism.

However, these “awareness” narratives have nearly always served a neurotypical norm, from which autism is a deviation. Autism is often depicted as a somewhat tragic way of being, where an autistic person simply doesn’t understand how to love, make friends, or behave “normally”. As a trade-off, however, the autistic person is also usually depicted as having mental superpowers. Such narratives oversimplify the experiences of autistic people, denying them agency and reinforcing a lens heavily shaped by neurotypical views.

Acceptance is about challenging these outdated perspectives. It's about recognising autistic individuals as complete, capable human beings who, like anyone else, have the right to live meaningful and autonomous lives. Acceptance shifts the conversation from "fixing" autism to providing the accommodations and equity needed for autistic people to thrive.

Autistic individuals aren't incomplete, as the puzzle-piece symbol suggests. Moving beyond the outdated "medical model" of autism as an illness is key if society is to treat autistic people with dignity and respect.

Acceptance begins with granting autistic people agency over their narratives. This begins with rejecting the harmful idea that autism makes someone "less than" and instead celebrating the diversity in their lived experiences. It also means creating environments (such as workplaces, schools, or communities) where autistic individuals are welcomed and supported.

Building inclusive workplaces

Autistic people face disproportionately high unemployment rates. For example, a 2024 UK government report revealed that only 3 in 10 autistic individuals were employed for at least one hour per week. In the United States and Canada, this could be fewer than 3 in 20. These statistics are partly attributed to hiring practices, and partly attributed to autistic people having difficulty keeping jobs once they have them. That is a concerning shortfall, particularly when many autistic individuals possess skills that are deeply valuable in the workplace.

Improving inclusivity during hiring processes

During the hiring process, to improve inclusivity, autistic people should be granted accommodations. Allowing alternatives to traditional interview formats, such as practical skill tests or pre-submitted work samples, helps autistic candidates showcase their abilities without added pressure. However, they cannot access these accommodations if hiring managers do not know what to watch out for. It is an autistic person's choice to disclose their condition during the hiring process; however, seeking information and training on neurodiversity, such as autism, can help hiring managers understand neurological differences and how they can manifest.

If a candidate avoids eye contact or exhibits reduced facial expression, for example, it shouldn't automatically be interpreted as disinterest. Candidates need to be evaluated holistically, regardless of who they are, acknowledging these behaviours as potentially part of their neurodiversity.

Workplace adjustments for autistic employees

The need to be mindful and act on the needs of autistic people in the workplace does not stop at hiring. Once employed, many autistic individuals benefit greatly from workplace accommodations. These adjustments can create environments where autistic employees contribute effectively and comfortably.

These accommodations could include relaxing the dress code, letting autistic colleagues use noise-cancelling headphones to cope with noise, granting priority access to quiet areas of the office with low light, setting looser expectations around workload and time management, or providing special equipment to help with sensory issues and communication difficulties.

Cultivating a supportive team culture

Fostering acceptance is everyone’s responsibility. Individual colleagues can make a lasting impact by learning how to work respectfully with autistic teammates:

• Be aware of communication differences. Be direct and clear in how you communicate. Autistic people can often struggle to interpret body language and expression and to “read between the lines”. If you want something done, be sure to say: “Please could you do this for me?”
• Be wary of sensory sensitivity. Many autistic people hate loud sounds and bright lights, temperatures that are too high or too low, tight clothes or certain fabrics. Feelings that are slightly uncomfortable to neurotypical people can be overwhelming and distressing to autistic people.
• Understand routines. Autistic people like sticking to routines. They may eat the same food every day, for example, or wear the same type of shirt - change can be very upsetting. Refrain from passing comment on, or poking fun at these behaviours – they can help to regulate a chaotic world.
• Decision-making, planning and organisation can be very difficult for autistic people. Autism often causes challenges with working memory and cognitive flexibility. It is a good idea to check in with autistic people to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed.

Most importantly, approach autistic colleagues with the same friendliness and patience you would extend to anyone else. Recognising and supporting their specific needs affirms their value as equal members of the team.

Empowering allies

Supporting autistic individuals isn’t restricted to broad workplace measures; allies can have a profound impact on a personal level, too. If an autistic person discloses their condition:

• Respect their privacy; disclosure is deeply personal.
• Make yourself aware of resources like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, which signals invisible disabilities.
• Show a willingness to listen and learn from autistic people themselves.

Embracing Equality Every Day in our actions

Autism acceptance means equitable opportunities in employment, education, healthcare, and all aspects of life for autistic people. To create this world, society must recognise that autistic individuals are vital contributors whose voices matter. Using initiatives like RSM's #EqualityEveryDay campaign, we must keep the focus on inclusion and advocacy, ensuring real progress, not token gestures.

Acceptance is a choice. It’s the act of moving beyond superficial awareness and into genuine, actionable inclusion. From employers to colleagues to communities, every one of us holds the power to create spaces where autistic individuals feel genuinely accepted and valued.

To make this choice, start by creating positive change in your own sphere; seek out opportunities to learn, adapt, and advocate. Working together, we can build a society where autism is acknowledged and celebrated. A society we should all aspire to create.