The AU Zone is a Safe Space for Autistic and ADH People

· We promote positive autistic and ADHD 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 or ADHD people

· We do not use functioning labels, every autistic and ADHD 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 and ADHD communities 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 autonomy

· 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 and ADHD people are upheld, and that the views and ideas of the autistic and ADHD communities are listened to

· To raise the profile of autism and ADHD, 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 meet our Aims and Values 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 and ADHD people, making sure that the views of autistic and ADHD 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 an organisation for autistic and ADHD 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 and ADHD people

· making sure that we respect and promote people’s right to privacy, and right to feel and be safe

· providing opportunities for people to express their views and be heard by those with the power to make change happen