“I feel really happy… and not judged.”

That feeling shouldn’t be rare.

The I AM Spring Ball this March helps fund inclusive spaces where autistic people feel safe, valued, and accepted.

🎟️ Get tickets: i-am-autism.org.uk/i-am-spring-...

#iamspringball #iamautism #events #manchester

Behind every life changed is something less glamorous: funding.

Our Spring Ball raises the income that makes real impact possible for autistic people and families we support every day.

Join us for a night of celebration with purpose. 🌸

#IAmAutism #SpringBall #AutismSupport

I'm not an error or recent phenomenon but part of the natural variation in human neurology - a different, equally valid way of experiencing and processing the world that has contributed to human innovation and progress across generations.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #IAmAutism 💎

What humans increasingly understand is that I represent neurodevelopmental diversity that has existed throughout human history. #IAmAutism

Brain imaging studies show my presence in subtle differences in connectivity, processing speed, and regional development. These differences create both my challenges and my strengths - from sensory sensitivities to pattern recognition abilities. #IAmAutism

I begin my influence very early, altering how neural networks form during prenatal development. #IAmAutism

Certain prenatal conditions might influence how my genetic foundations manifest - factors like advanced parental age, complications during pregnancy, or exposure to specific environmental elements during critical developmental windows. #IAmAutism

Environmental factors do play a supporting role in my expression. #IAmAutism

Contrary to harmful myths, I am not caused by vaccines, parenting styles, or personality traits. I represent a natural variation in how brains can be structured - different, not damaged or diseased. #IAmAutism

These genetic patterns influence everything from how sensory information is processed to how social signals are interpreted. #IAmAutism

My primary roots lie in genetics - I'm highly heritable, appearing more frequently in families where I already exist. I'm not linked to just one gene but to hundreds of genetic variations that affect how neural connections form and function during brain development. #IAmAutism