Campaign in a way that works for you

It can be especially challenging to campaign when you are autistic but we all have different strengths and skills, that can help us fight for the changes we need.

Taking online campaigner actions like signing petitions or emailing your MP can be a quick, accessible and effective way to share a message. There are also lots of other ways to campaign and share your voice. By acting collectively, using our skills and communicating in different ways, we can send a powerful message.

There are many different tactics and the more we can do, the louder our voices become.

Here are some different ways to campaign for the changes you want to see

Posting on social media

For many, social media can be a great place to share information, your own experiences, gain support and make an impact. This can also be a more accessible way of campaigning for some due to the options to share pictures, videos and short posts. For others, social media isn't a comfortable, effective or fun place to be. So only share on social media if you know that's something you are comfortable and happy to do.

Talking to friends and family

Campaigning together can make our message louder and stronger. The more people who campaign for a change, the better. We want everybody to understand how important it is to stand with autistic people and sometimes the best place to start is with your own friends and family. Whether in person or online, can you share campaign actions with your networks and let them know why it matters?

Some campaigning methods might not be accessible for you (e.g. going to a demonstration, visiting your MP face to face), but friends or family might be willing to go on your behalf and share your message.

Call your MP's office

As well as writing to or emailing your local Member of Parliament (MP) you can also give them a call. Check who your MP is by entering your postcode here. To call your MP, dial 020 7219 3000 and ask to be put through to their office giving your MP's name. You might want to plan what to say or prepare a script beforehand. Sometimes you will have the option to leave a voicemail message.

Visit your MP at a surgery

Many MPs hold 'surgeries' where you will have the opportunity to meet with them in person and share your concerns. You might want to come prepared with notes and questions. This face-to-face contact can be really impactful, but if this isn't accessible to you, do you have any friends or family members you could encourage to visit their MP? Your MP's website, or your local library, may have more information about when and where surgeries are taking place. Alternatively, you can contact your MP's office to enquire about surgeries.

Sharing your own story

Sometimes sharing your own personal story can be the most impactful way to show the real-life impact of Government policy. When campaigning to improve the lives of autistic people, it’s important to make sure that autistic people’s voices are the loudest.

Sharing your personal experiences can be done via social media, in person, directly to your MP or any other way that works for you.

You can also share your stories and experiences directly with our Stories team by emailing stories@nas.org.uk and they will get in touch with you if there is a way that it can be shared.

Top tip

"Make a list about what parts you want to share and what you don’t want to share. Ask someone close to you what they think and make a plan of what to do if you get triggered. Start small and just talk to people close to you first. When I'm sharing a personal story, I make sure I’d be happy sharing that information with a random person in the street." - Finty, former Young Ambassador

Campaigning creatively

We all communicate in different ways and sharing our thoughts and opinions in our preferred way can really help to make our messages stand out, have impact and feel authentic. As well as sending emails, speaking to people face to face and writing, it’s also possible to campaign creatively and express yourself through art, poetry, video or another way that suits you.

Join a local campaigning group

There may already be groups in your local area that get together to campaign about things that matter to you. You might be able to find them by looking on social media, searching on the internet or looking out for local events and flyers.

The National Autistic Society has more than 80 local Branches across the UK. Find out more and see if there is one close to you here.

Different branches take part in different activities, you could reach out to see if they already do any political campaigning or if there are members that would be interested in starting.