Autistic UK is an Autistic People’s Organisation (APO) – an organisation run by autistic people for autistic people. Autistic UK aims to advance the interests of all autistic people and those with related neurodevelopmental conditions. It aims to promote and protect the civil and human rights of the autistic population and campaigns for the enforcement of the legislation which guarantees our rights. It aims to increase understanding of autistic people, our differences and needs, and works to improve services, facilities, and conditions for autistic people.
It does not seek to represent autistic people, rather it aims to ensure that autistic people can represent themselves. It seeks to establish the mechanisms and processes which will empower autistic people to be able to represent themselves.
Autistic UK recognises that many autistic people are unable to represent themselves (or will experience great difficulty in doing so) and recognises the importance of ensuring effective advocacy so that these autistic voices are heard and their wishes for their lives enacted.
Autistic UK believes that carers, family members, friends, and supporters of autistic people play an important role in both our everyday lives and as allies in the fight for our rights. It welcomes these non-autistic people as associate members. Autistic UK believes in strength through unity and that there is much common ground to be found.