Autism Acceptance Month: Understanding and Embracing Neurodiversity

08 April 2025

April is Autism Acceptance Month – and it is a time to celebrate the unique contributions of autistic people.

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability that affects how people experience and interact with the world around them. Each autistic person is different, but many share common characteristics too.

Autism affects at least 700,000 people in the UK alone, and it’s crucial to also acknowledge that individuals from marginalized communities can face additional barriers in accessing support or diagnosis.

This month is about celebrating the richness that neurodiversity brings, continue to advocate for inclusive spaces and to continue to support to everyone in our communities.

Have you heard of the Abl Network?

Abl is the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s disability staff network – and aims to champion staff with disabilities, provide information and support and raises awareness and understanding to help improve experiences and relationships.

Abl also works with the other staff networks to promote inclusion, accessibility, awareness, and acceptance across the Vale of Glamorgan.

Get to Know Your Abl Co-Chairs

Kat Knibbs

“Hello, my name is Kat, I am an Inclusion officer for Flying Start and support families with children with emerging and additional needs. I am neurodiverse, through my job I have been able to put things in place to support my needs as well as supporting those around me.

“I have been very lucky to have been supported well by my line manager and had many doors opened to me for support through this. Because of this I love my job, yes there are still challenges I face every day but having the tools to support me makes the difference.

“Through ABL I would like to grow a network of support, being neurodiverse can feel isolating at times but I hope we can support each other, share our knowledge, and create a safe space for individuals to reach out for the support they really need.”

Phil Gauci

“Hi, I am Phil, a Peripatetic Library Support Officer, providing support to three of our volunteer run Community Libraries. Only in the last few years I received a late diagnosis of Autism, which if I had received this much earlier, and reasonable adjustments were in place, my career trajectory could have been very different. Likewise, my experience of working for the Vale could have been a more positive one.

“Although I can say that since revealing my diagnosis, my line managers and colleagues have been very supportive, hence I am now keen to build on that support by helping to build the ABL network with the aim of creating an environment of support for all who identify as either physically disabled or part of the neurodivergent community.”

How can I get involved?

Abl welcomes membership from staff with disabilities or health conditions, as well as staff who provide advice or support to people with disabilities and staff who wish to join as allies.

For more information, or if you’re interested in joining the Abl Network – click here.

Next Abl Meeting – Monday 28 April at 4pm, Barry Room (Second Floor) Civic Offices in Barry

Get in touch: abl@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk