An East Lancs charity is marking Autism Acceptance Week 2023 by celebrating the artwork of the autistic community.
Understanding Autism North West, in Accrington, will be holding an exhibition named ‘Behind the Mask Campaign’ at the Haworth Art Gallery from April 1 to 30.
The charity says the exhibition aims to highlight the significant problem experienced by many autistic people who find they must ‘mask’ their natural way of being in order to fit in with society.
Understanding Autism North West provides free counselling for autistic individuals and families who struggle with anxiety, depression, and suicide at a much higher rate than the rest of the population.
It aims to generate the support of the public and is requesting regular donations so they have sufficient funds to keep going.
Project director Rob Livesey said: “We are a small charity competing against the big charities for funding from trusts and foundations and from the public. All donations are used to provide specialist counselling.
“Our hope is that people will enjoy seeing the wide range of talent in the autistic community, feel enlightened about what it may be like to be autistic, and support us by regularly donating a few pounds a month.
“If enough people do that, we can continue to provide our vital therapeutic service.”
There will be approximately 16 artists exhibiting their work, ranging from ceramic and textiles to graphics, drawings, paintings, and photography.
The official opening will take place on Saturday, April 1 at 12.30pm, and the exhibition will run for the whole of April, opening from Wednesday to Sunday from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.
Understanding Autism North West is the only free therapeutic service in Lancashire specifically for autistic individuals and families and they provide more than 1,000 free sessions of counselling annually.
All counsellors are neurodivergent and have autistic family members. Their premises have been created to provide a welcoming environment that ensures sensory needs are considered and overloads are prevent with appointments that are flexible.
The charity added that autistic people suffer from poor mental health at a much higher rate than the rest of the population.
- 94 per cent experience anxiety
- 83 per cent experience depression
- Autistic people are nine times more likely to die from suicide
- 10 per cent of all suicides are by autistic people (yet they are only 1-2 per cent of the population
- Many are denied access to mental health support because of their autism diagnosis
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