21/09/2026
HELP MAKE LUSK AN AUTISM-FRIENDLY TOWN
As a priority project of the "Lusk for Life" Town Centre First plan, Lusk is on an exciting journey towards becoming a recognised AsIAm Autism-Friendly Town and we would love our whole community to be part of it.
But what does being an Autism-Friendly Town actually mean?
An Autism-Friendly Town is a community that works together to make everyday life more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for Autistic people and their families.
It is about recognising that some of the barriers Autistic people experience in everyday life can be reduced through greater understanding and relatively simple changes.
That might mean a quieter environment at certain times, clearer signs and visual information, greater awareness of sensory needs, more predictable experiences, or simply staff and volunteers having a better understanding of Autism and how different people may communicate, interact or experience their surroundings.
The aim is simple: for Autistic children, teenagers and adults to have the same opportunity to live, learn, work, shop, socialise, play sport and participate in their local community.
WHAT IS AN AUTISM CHAMPION?
A really important part of Lusk becoming an Autism-Friendly Town is building a network of local Autism Friendly Champions.
Champions can include:
• Local shops and businesses
• Cafés, restaurants and services
• Schools and preschools
• Sports clubs
• Community and voluntary groups
• Youth organisations
• Public services
• Employers and other local organisations
Becoming an Autism Champion means making a commitment to creating an environment in which Autistic people are understood, accepted and included.
And it doesn't necessarily require major or expensive changes.
Champions undertake Autism understanding and acceptance training and are supported to introduce practical measures such as sensory accommodations and visual supports or guides.
Small changes can make a very big difference. Becoming an Autism Champion is about creating a culture of understanding, acceptance and belonging.
OUR GOAL FOR LUSK
For Lusk to achieve recognised Autism-Friendly Town status, this needs to be a whole-community effort.
We want to build a network of Autism Champions throughout Lusk so that Autistic people and their families can see that they are welcomed, understood and valued across our community.
And we need the help of our local community to do it.
WE ASK THAT YOUR ORGANISATION BECOME AN AUTISM CHAMPION
If you are involved in a business, school, preschool, sports club, community group, youth organisation, public service or other organisation in Lusk, we would love to hear from you.
Becoming an Autism Champion is an opportunity to learn, to make practical changes and, most importantly, to help make Lusk a community in which everyone has the opportunity to participate and belong.
You don't need to know everything about Autism before getting involved - that's what the training and support are there for.
One town. One community. Everyone included.
Together, we can help make Lusk a more accessible, understanding and welcoming community for Autistic people and their families.
If your business, school, club, group or organisation would like to find out more about becoming a Lusk Autism Champion, or if you would like to get involved in helping us to make Lusk more Autism-friendly get in touch with the Lusk Autism-Friendly Towns committee by emailing [email protected]
Please share this post and help us spread the word throughout Lusk.
