The AU-tism Zone is a Safe Space for Autistic People

• We promote Positive Autistic Identity
• We use Identity First Language
• We recognise the challenges of accessing a diagnosis and accept self-identification where possible
• We recognise and educate on intersectionality
• We do not support ABA or Positive Behavioural Support as methods to help autistic people
• We do not use functioning labels. Every autistic person has inherent strengths and challenges
• We support the Neurodiversity Paradigm
• We value peoples’ opinions, views, choices, differences and experiences
• We recognise the impact of trauma
• We remove the barriers of referrals and offer multiple contact options
• We use reflection to improve ourselves as an organisation
• We value ourselves and our experiences

•  To bring the autistic community together, reducing isolation and creating connections and friendships
• To provide a safe space where people are free to be themselves away from daily stress
• To encourage peer support, using our skills to help other people to understand themselves 
• To support people to understand and accept their diagnosis and feel more positive about what it means
•  To develop the skills and knowledge of our members in areas that will improve confidence, self-esteem, and independence
• To provide meaningful voluntary opportunities to members, recognising peoples’ skills and using these to help the group
• To work together to make sure that the rights of autistic people are upheld, and that the views and ideas of the autistic community are listened to
• To raise the profile of autism, improve understanding, promote positive attitudes, and strive for acceptance
• To provide information and guidance about positive and respectful resources that are available, and work to increase the number of resources available

  We will achieve the above by:

• providing groups, activities and services that as many people as possible like and enjoy, at costs that people can afford and do not prevent people from attending
•  ensuring that everything we do is led by autistic people, making sure that the views of autistic people themselves are heard and are not influenced by those supporting them
• ensuring that we focus our support and work on those that are most likely to not receive help and support from other people, groups or services
• being clear that we are a group for autistic people, and that is where our priorities lie
• respecting each other, respecting difference, and respecting personal preference and choice
• remembering that we are experts of our own experiences and can share this knowledge with other people
• challenging poor or harmful practice and the negative and stereotyped portrayals of autistic people
• making sure that we respect and promote people’s right to privacy, and right to feel safe and be safe
•  providing opportunities for people to express their views and be heard by those with the power to make change happen