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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
4 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
April 2, 2026
Last reviewed: 2 April 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl
World Autism Awareness Month, held every April, shines a spotlight on autism, helping people better understand autistic experiences, reduce stigma and improve support. For many disabled people, families and carers, it also highlights the real-life challenges around diagnosis, costs, accessibility and daily living. At Purpl, we see this first-hand through our community and our Disability Benefits Guide, where many autistic people and families look for practical support and financial help.
Autism is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, meaning people should receive reasonable adjustments and protection from discrimination (https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010). Yet many still face barriers in education, work and everyday life.
World Autism Awareness Month is not just about awareness. It is about real change. Many autistic people still struggle to access support, get timely diagnoses or feel understood in everyday situations.
In the UK, over 700,000 people are autistic, and that number rises to over 2.8 million when including families (https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism). Despite this, services often remain stretched, and waiting lists for diagnosis can take years.
For disabled people and those with long term health conditions, awareness months like this help push for:
Purpl Insight: Awareness alone is not enough. Real impact happens when awareness leads to better policies, funding and everyday understanding.
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact and experience the world. It is a spectrum, which means everyone’s experience is different.
Some autistic people may:
Others may live independently but still face hidden challenges, especially in environments that are not designed with neurodivergent needs in mind.
The NHS confirms autism is not an illness or disease but a difference in how the brain works (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/).
Purpl Tip: If you or your child shows signs of autism, speak to a GP as early as possible. Early support can make a big difference, even before a formal diagnosis.
Many people do not realise that autism can qualify for financial support, depending on how it affects daily life.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra costs if someone needs support with daily living or mobility (https://www.gov.uk/pip). It is not based on a diagnosis alone but on how your condition affects you.
Other support may include:
Many families face additional costs for therapies, specialist equipment or travel. Research from Scope shows disabled households need an average of £975 more per month to have the same standard of living (https://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/extra-costs/).
Purpl Insight: Financial support often depends on how well you explain your daily challenges. Real examples matter more than medical labels.
Living with autism often brings extra costs that are not always obvious.
These can include:
These costs add up quickly, and many families feel unsupported.
World Autism Awareness Month helps highlight these realities and push for better financial and practical support systems.
Purpl Tip: Keep a simple diary of extra costs and challenges. This can strengthen benefit claims and help explain your situation clearly.
Awareness is only useful if it leads to action. You can support autistic people by making small but meaningful changes:
Employers can also make a big difference by offering flexible working, clear communication and sensory-friendly environments.
Purpl Insight: Inclusion is not about treating everyone the same. It is about understanding different needs and responding to them.
World Autism Awareness Month takes place every April and focuses on raising awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism across society.
Yes, autism is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial and long term impact on daily life (https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010).
Yes, autistic people can claim Personal Independence Payment if they need support with daily living or mobility tasks (https://www.gov.uk/pip).
Awareness helps reduce stigma, improve access to support and ensure autistic people receive fair treatment in education, work and healthcare.
Support can include DLA, EHCPs, school support plans and NHS services depending on individual needs (https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children).
Many autistic people qualify for disability discounts through platforms like Purpl, which help reduce the extra costs of living with a disability or long term condition.
World Autism Awareness Month is more than a campaign. It highlights the real experiences of autistic people and the barriers they still face.
Autism is recognised as a disability in the UK, yet many people still struggle to access support, afford extra costs and feel understood in daily life.
Raising awareness helps, but real change comes from better support systems, clearer understanding and practical help. Whether that is financial support, workplace adjustments or community awareness, every step matters.
Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts and practical support. Living with a long term health condition herself, she understands the extra costs and challenges that come with disability and built Purpl to make everyday life more affordable and accessible.
Is autism considered a disability in the UK?
Unlocking Support: DLA for Disabled Children in the UK
Unlocking Support: DLA (CDP in Scotland) for Disabled Children in the UK
What is a Learning Disability? Understanding Learning Disabilities