Reflecting on 30 Days of Autism Acceptance: Hannah’s Journal Prompt Journey

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.

meet Hannah

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.

about the prompts

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.

30 days of autism acceptance: full journal prompt list

Each prompt includes:

• A short explanation of why it matters
• Optional ideas or examples to get you started

1. About Me / Letter to My Younger Self

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.

2. What Autism Means to Me

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.

3. Draw Your Autistic Lens

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.

4. Sensory World

Explore your sensory preferences and sensitivities.
💬 Why? Sensory needs are a major part of autistic identity.
🖋️ Ideas: What soothes, overwhelms, or energises you?

5. Positive Affirmations

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.”

6. My Safe Space

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.

7. The Power of Routine

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.

8. Special Interest Dump

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.

9. Symbols of Support

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.”

10. Breaking the Stigma

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.”

11. A Day in My Shoes

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.

12. Meltdown Survival Kit

What helps you during or after a meltdown?
💬 Why? Planning ahead reduces fear and builds safety.
🖋️ Ideas: Weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, dim lights.

13. Hopes for the Future

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.

14. My Autistic Journey

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.

15. The Masking Journey

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.

16. What Does Acceptance Look Like?

Describe true, meaningful acceptance in your life.
💬 Why? Awareness is passive; acceptance takes action.
🖋️ Ideas: Accommodations, empathy, celebration – not just tolerance.

17. Autism Self-Care Menu

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.

18. Building Bridges

What helps neurotypical people understand and support you better?
💬 Why? Education leads to connection and allyship.
🖋️ Ideas: Plain language, visual communication, listening without judgment.

19. Sensory Preferences

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.

20. Likes and Dislikes

Honour your preferences without apology.
💬 Why? You don’t need to conform to be valid.
🖋️ Ideas: Foods, routines, social styles, media genres.

21. Autistic Glimmers

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.

22. Ways to Self-Regulate

Describe what helps you feel calm or centred.
💬 Why? Self-regulation is an essential life tool.
🖋️ Ideas: Deep pressure, movement, sound loops, scripting.

23. When You Feel Lonely

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?

24. Crisis Communication

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.

25. Tough Day Survival Kit

List what helps when things are just… hard.
💬 Why? Small supports can make big differences.
🖋️ Ideas: Comfort shows, plushies, music, dim lights.

26. Control Circles

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.

27. Feelings

Explore how you identify, feel, or express emotions.
💬 Why? Emotional expression is diverse – and valid.
🖋️ Ideas: Use colours, metaphors, feelings wheels, or emoji codes.

28. Decision Fatigue Plan

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.

29. Burnout Recovery

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.

30. Reasons I Love Being Autistic

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.

final thoughts

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.

find out more about Hannah’s work

If you want to find out more about Hannah’s creative social change activist work, visit her website, follow her on Instagram and listen to her podcast.