Although Autism Acceptance Month has come to a close, the journey towards understanding, appreciating and embracing neurodiversity is lifelong. This past April, Hannah – one of our incredible Youth Board members – led us through a powerful series of daily Autism Acceptance Journal Prompts, designed to invite self-reflection, creative expression and community connection.
Whether you followed along in real time, or you’re discovering these prompts now, they’re here to support you in your own time and in your own way.
Hannah is an autistic advocate, creative and passionate voice for inclusion and authenticity. Throughout April, she used journaling and creativity as tools for exploring her neurodivergent identity.
For Hannah, autism is not something separate from who she is – it’s the lens through which she experiences the world. That’s why she uses identity-first language (e.g. autistic person rather than person with autism), because it affirms autism as an integral part of her identity.
That said, we acknowledge that language is personal and every autistic individual has the right to choose how they identify. We respect all preferences in the spirit of true acceptance.
These journal prompts were created to be both broad and flexible – so you can interpret them in ways that suit your needs – and detailed and supportive, for those who benefit from clearer structure, examples and inspiration.
There’s no pressure to complete them all or to do them in order. This is about you, your pace, your voice and your unique way of experiencing the world.
Each prompt includes:
Reflect on how you’d introduce yourself today, or write a kind, compassionate letter to your past self.
💬 Why? Grounding yourself in your own story builds self-connection.
🖋️ Ideas: List strengths, values, or changes over time. Or write a letter of encouragement and validation.
Describe what being autistic means in your life -emotionally, practically, or socially.
💬 Why? Autism is personal and unique.
🖋️ Ideas: How it shapes your thinking, sensory world, or identity.
Visually represent how you experience or perceive the world.
💬 Why? Neurodivergence often defies words – drawing opens new channels.
🖋️ Ideas: Use colours, filters, or metaphors to show your worldview.
Explore your sensory preferences and sensitivities.
💬 Why? Sensory needs are a major part of autistic identity.
🖋️ Ideas: What soothes, overwhelms, or energises you?
Write affirming, empowering statements about yourself as an autistic person.
💬 Why? Self-acceptance is radical and healing.
🖋️ Examples: “My needs are real.” “I am not too much.” “I am worthy.”
Describe a place, person, or setup where you feel safe being fully yourself.
💬 Why? Feeling safe is a foundation for authenticity.
🖋️ Ideas: A cosy sensory corner, an online space, and time with animals.
Explore how structure and routine help (or challenge) you.
💬 Why? Many autistic people thrive with routine – it’s not rigid, it’s grounding.
🖋️ Ideas: Your favourite part of your day, or how you manage change.
Celebrate something you love with intensity and joy!
💬 Why? Special interests are not “obsessions” – they’re valid passions.
🖋️ Ideas: Write, draw, or info-dump about your favourite topic.
Identify what makes you feel seen and supported.
💬 Why? Support doesn’t have to be grand – small gestures matter.
🖋️ Ideas: Visual aids, fidgets, accommodations, friends who “get it.”
Challenge one stereotype or myth about autism.
💬 Why? Autistic voices are needed to reshape the narrative.
🖋️ Ideas: “I’m not emotionless.” “I do want friends.” “Autism isn’t just for kids.”
Share what a typical day feels like, including the unseen parts.
💬 Why? This helps others understand the invisible aspects of autism.
🖋️ Ideas: Moments of sensory overwhelm, relief, masking, or joy.
What helps you during or after a meltdown?
💬 Why? Planning ahead reduces fear and builds safety.
🖋️ Ideas: Weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, dim lights.
What does a hopeful, affirming future look like for you?
💬 Why? You deserve to imagine a future where you thrive.
🖋️ Ideas: Acceptance, autonomy, friendships, dream job, rest.
Tell the story of how you discovered or accepted your autistic identity.
💬 Why? Naming your experience is powerful.
🖋️ Ideas: Diagnosis, self-realisation, or learning from others.
Reflect on times you’ve had to hide your traits to fit in.
💬 Why? Masking is exhausting, and unmasking is liberating.
🖋️ Ideas: When you feel pressure to mask vs. when you can just be.
Describe true, meaningful acceptance in your life.
💬 Why? Awareness is passive; acceptance takes action.
🖋️ Ideas: Accommodations, empathy, celebration – not just tolerance.
Create a menu of self-care activities that actually work for you.
💬 Why? Autistic self-care can look very different – and that’s okay.
🖋️ Examples: Info-dumping, visual rest, scripting, nature walks.
What helps neurotypical people understand and support you better?
💬 Why? Education leads to connection and allyship.
🖋️ Ideas: Plain language, visual communication, listening without judgment.
List sensory inputs you enjoy or seek out.
💬 Why? Sensory seeking is just as valid as sensory avoidance.
🖋️ Examples: Rain sounds, soft fabric, rocking, spicy food.
Honour your preferences without apology.
💬 Why? You don’t need to conform to be valid.
🖋️ Ideas: Foods, routines, social styles, media genres.
Celebrate moments that spark clarity, joy, or comfort.
💬 Why? Noticing the good is part of healing.
🖋️ Examples: Light through leaves, understanding a new concept, parallel play.
Describe what helps you feel calm or centred.
💬 Why? Self-regulation is an essential life tool.
🖋️ Ideas: Deep pressure, movement, sound loops, scripting.
Reflect on your relationship with solitude and connection.
💬 Why? Loneliness can be common, but community is possible.
🖋️ Ideas: When do you feel connected? What helps ease isolation?
How do you ask for help or communicate in distress?
💬 Why? Pre-planning reduces anxiety and helps others support you.
🖋️ Ideas: Use visuals, scripts, safe words, emergency cards.
List what helps when things are just… hard.
💬 Why? Small supports can make big differences.
🖋️ Ideas: Comfort shows, plushies, music, dim lights.
Draw what’s in your control vs. what’s not.
💬 Why? Helps manage anxiety and avoid burnout.
🖋️ Inner circle: Choices, responses. Outer circle: Other people’s reactions.
Explore how you identify, feel, or express emotions.
💬 Why? Emotional expression is diverse – and valid.
🖋️ Ideas: Use colours, metaphors, feelings wheels, or emoji codes.
What helps when too many choices become overwhelming?
💬 Why? Autistic brains often tire faster with constant decisions.
🖋️ Ideas: Go-to meals, simple clothing choices, delegated planning.
Describe what recovery looks and feels like for you.
💬 Why? Burnout is real, and healing takes time and space.
🖋️ Ideas: Rest cycles, time offline, re-centring, slow rebuilding.
End with celebration and pride.
💬 Why? Autism is not a flaw – it’s a form of brilliance.
🖋️ Ideas: Passion, honesty, deep thinking, unique perspective, creativity.
These prompts were never about “doing it right” – they were about making space for your truth. Whether you completed one or all 30, reflected privately or shared publicly, your voice matters. You matter.
You can revisit these prompts anytime, not just in April.
Find more on our Instagram Highlight!
Thank you for journeying with us – and with Hannah – through a month of acceptance, creativity and connection.
