Doncaster is set to make history in Sandall Park by hosting a day dedicated to celebrating neurodivergent identity, strength and community.
Lauren Platts, organiser and charity trustee, said: “It is a celebration and it is about trying to get autistic children and adults into the community around other neurotypical people and working together.”
Ms Platts, alongside the other trustees, Chantelle Chapman and Toni Merry, started the non-profit group over a year ago, as they found group spaces such as play areas were not always suitable for their kids.
They wanted to create new spaces where their children could be accepted, understood and ‘just be themselves’ so started up their own sensory sessions on a Sunday morning.
The Little Rainbows Charity have organised the day to create a safe space for every child, parent and carer.
The event on 13 June will run from 11 am and will consist of circus acts, food vendors, stalls from a wide range of local groups and a visit from the National Literacy Trust to give out free books.
Ms Platts said: “We want them to feel safe and be able to play without having to worry that they might get lost, fall over, or get told off.
“It’s taking away that stigma from it.
“They’re allowed to run around and stim, they can happily stim and jump all they want without being judged.”
As a lot of children with autism can get dysregulated quickly, there will be a TFN sensory ambulance where children can take a break without pressure as ‘actually coming to the event is a big step for some people as well’.
Autism Pride Day was originally planned as a small celebration but it has massively taken off with sponsorships and over 500 people taking part in the colour run on the day.
This will consist of two tracks, with a competitive track and a more fun track that everybody can take part in, which is important in making the day accessible and ‘understanding that everyone’s capabilities are different’.