APRIL is Autism Awareness Month, so it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to Autism All Stars!
We’re a small, independent charity based on the Surrey/Sussex border and although we’re very small, we have a huge drive to help create a happier, more inclusive world for autistic people, and since we were founded in 2010 we’ve made a really big difference to many people’s lives.
The intention of Autism All Stars is to increase understanding of the different manifestations of autism and its related conditions and to promote the acceptance and inclusion of autistic people of all ages and abilities.
We were founded following the tragic suicide of a young teenager who had all the symptoms of autism but was never formally diagnosed and our intention is to let everyone know that even if they’re different to those around them, they do belong somewhere and they’re never alone.
We encourage people to look within themselves and recognise that the things they love and enjoy can be used to raise money, however unusual they might seem, and as a result, we’ve become very popular with the cosplay community over the years. We’re proud that we’ve been able to build a wonderful reputation for our colourful character events including ‘Doctor Who’ days with real Daleks, ‘Star Wars’ days with real Stormtroopers and both ‘Dinosaur’ and ‘Dragon’ days where our supporters can meet and interact with spectacular animatronic puppets. We hold regular ‘Icons for Autism’ days where we’re joined by Batman, Sonic, Spider-Man, Captain America and many more, where everyone is made welcome and given time to interact in their own way.
We also run autism-friendly film clubs offering free tickets to local families and have a fully-equipped portable sensory den that we take to events and relaxed theatre performances, giving autistic people and their loved ones somewhere they can unwind if things get too much.
Our mission includes spreading a message of equality and promoting acceptance of what autism and its related conditions – ADD, ADHD, Tourette’s, epilepsy, dyslexia, dyspraxia, PDA etc. – are really about.
We aim to demystify autism and make it appear less frightening by informing people of the positives of living on the autism spectrum as well as the challenges.
We therefore, use an upbeat and proactive approach via our website, blog and extensive social media platforms which helps raise self-esteem and self-confidence in autistic children and adults, their families and friends. Meanwhile, our CEO works tirelessly behind the scenes supporting parents of autistic children, distressed and/or isolated autistic teenagers and adults, and adults who may have missed their diagnosis for some reason.
We’re delighted to say that one of our favourite organisations, The Giving Machine, have made us their Cause of the Month for April. You can find out more about the great work they do here: https://www.thegivingmachine.co.uk/news/view/autism-all-stars/
Wishing you all a safe and happy journey through this very difficult time and we hope to be out and about with our amazing characters again very soon.
Website: https://www.autism-all-stars.org
Blog: https://www.autism-all-stars.org/ringmaster
