“The first thing Macie does when she gets in the car is ask for the music on.”
Creating an inclusive society, where people feel accepted and supported to be themselves is something we can all work on together.
World Autism Acceptance Month provides an opportunity to do just that. Whether it’s at home, school or work, the actions of others can help create environments where individuals with autism can feel safe and included. People like Macie.
Macie is 12 years old. She has autism with associated speech delay, ADHD and Down’s syndrome. As a baby, Macie had surgery to correct a hole in her heart. Now she has regular specialist appointments to check it hasn’t re-opened, but travelling to them can be tricky.
Macie’s learning differences mean she often finds journey-making overstimulating. Her mum Francesca admits that, although they struggle to use public transport, she has found a unique way for the family to travel in harmony. Quite literally.
“It’s not safe for her to go on a bus or a tram without a seat belt. It would be too stressful and unpredictable due to her severe intellectual disability.
“The first thing Macie does when she gets in the car is ask for the music on. Macie’s sisters don’t necessarily understand her - she thinks it’s funny to wind them up, so when we are driving, music is a good distraction.
"If Macie sees the volume isn’t up to the max, she says: ‘up!’. Or ‘skip!’ if she doesn’t like a track. Then she will sit in the back of the car, dancing her little heart out.”
At the Motability Foundation, we believe everyone should be able to make the journeys they chose without barriers. Today is Autism Acceptance Day and we want to help create a world that works for autistic people and their families.
Visit the National Autistic Society for resources for workplaces and schools.