Autistic Pride Day: Why This Day Matters to Me as a Mum of Three Autistic Teens

Every year on June 18, our family quietly honours Autistic Pride Day - a day that holds deep meaning for us. As a neurodivergent mum raising three incredible autistic teenagers, this isn't just a date on the calendar. It's a powerful reminder of who we are, how far we've come, and the future we’re building together.

What Is Autistic Pride Day?

Autistic Pride Day began in 2005, created by autistic people, for autistic people. It’s a global movement that celebrates autism as a natural and valuable part of human diversity - not something to be fixed or hidden. This day is about visibility, empowerment, and unapologetic pride.

The 2025 theme, Unapologetically Autistic, resonates deeply with me. It’s a bold declaration that autistic people deserve to exist, thrive, and lead without masking or shrinking themselves to fit neurotypical expectations. It’s not about fitting in - it’s about standing proudly as we are.

Why This Day Matters to Our Family

Raising three autistic teens has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and joy. Each of my kids has their own unique way of experiencing the world, and they’ve taught me more about patience, perspective, and unconditional love than any book or professional ever could.

Autistic Pride Day is a celebration of their identities. It’s a chance to honour their strengths, acknowledge their struggles, and affirm that they are perfect exactly as they are. It’s also a day for me, as their mum, to reflect on our journey and recommit to advocating for a world that truly sees and supports them.

How We Actually Celebrate

To be honest, Autistic Pride Day in our house isn’t some big Pinterest-worthy event - it's more about quietly honouring who we are. We don’t do speeches or themed activities. There are no matching shirts or structured celebrations.

Instead, it’s a day where we lean into just being ourselves. No pressure to mask. No expectations to perform. Just a gentle reminder that being autistic is something to be proud of - not despite, but because of who my kids are.

Sometimes that means watching a comfort show, hyper focusing on a special interest, or even doing nothing at all - and that’s enough. Autistic Pride Day doesn’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful.

This year, I’ll be spending some time reading through the Autistic Pride Day Website - it’s full of brilliant autistic voices and reminds me how important it is to keep learning and advocating in ways that feel authentic to us.

What Autistic Pride Means for the World

Autistic Pride Day isn’t just about celebration - it’s a call to action. It’s about challenging the systems that exclude autistic people and advocating for true inclusion in education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life.

It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t about making autistic people fit the world - it’s about making the world fit everyone. That means listening to autistic voices, valuing their perspectives, and ensuring they’re not just included - they’re centred.

Final Thoughts

Autistic Pride Day is more than a moment - it's a movement. It’s a celebration of identity, community, and possibility.

As a mum, I am endlessly proud of my kids and the vibrant, neurodivergent community we’re a part of. Every day they teach me something new. Every day, I am reminded how important it is to fight for a world that doesn’t just tolerate difference, but embraces it.

So however you spend the day - loud and proud or quiet and still - I hope you remember this:
Autistic people don’t need to change who they are. The world needs to change the way it sees them.

Happy Autistic Pride Day