Autism Awareness Week at DMU

Autism Awareness Week is happening at DMU from Monday 1 to Friday 5 April. This week-long series of events aims to draw attention to the 700,000 people living with autism in the UK.

This week is about embracing and promoting awareness around Autism at DMU through the work we do here on campus, supporting over 300 students who are autistic. It aims both to educate and to help make the world friendlier to those who are living with the condition.

Autism Awareness Week at DMU will be full of fun activities open to all staff and students, ran by both the Disability and the Student Union.

Monday 1 April

Sea-Life Centre Trip - An off trip campus for autistic students to Sea Life Centre, Birmingham

Tuesday 2 April

The ‘Get Busy Living Fair’ - Atrium of the Student Union from 11am till 3pm.
The fair aims to bring awareness for both autism and other disabilities, advice and support that is available on campus and the wider community, and also how you can get involved. From 12pm, we will be having guest speakers, including Matt Hampson – a former pro rugby player who now advocates about disability including having his own foundation for those with sporting injuries. We will also be welcoming a number of autistic students who study at DMU to talk about their life.

Wednesday 3 April

Charity Quiz Night in honour of the Matt Hampson Foundation at the Student Union. 6.30pm
Gather a team and come along to try out your knowledge. Entry fee is £1 per person, all proceeds go to the Matt Hampson Foundation, and raffle prizes will also be available on the night.

Thursday 4 April

Planting Session in The Breathing Space, 2.30pm

An opportunity for budding gardeners to show off or learn new skills and relax during a busy and stressful week.

Relaxed Badminton Session at The Watershed with DMUsport. 5.30pm
Ideal if you prefer quieter environments where you can enjoy some exercise with friends and families. Bring along your Student or Staff ID to join in.

Friday 5 April

Silly Sock Day for Autism Awareness Week

Wear your silliest socks possible, take pictures of yourself in your silly socks and donate to Autism East Midlands. Don’t forget to use #SillySockDayDMU

Make your own socks, Student Union Function Room, 2-4pm

Get involved with crafts and games including making your own silly socks. A selection of societies will also be in attendance for you to chat to them about joining. Refreshments provided!

Autism Awareness training, Q0.10. 12.30-3pm

Join Debbie from Autism East Midlands for an Autism Awareness Training session to improve your knowledge and understanding of the condition. Staff and Students are both welcome to attend. No need to book, turn up on the day.

If you have any further questions about Autism Awareness Week please email autism@dmu.ac.uk

For more information about autism support at DMU, please click here