On 27th April 2026, Mont Rose College proudly hosted an Autism Awareness Day event, bringing together students, staff, and external partners to celebrate neurodiversity and promote a culture of inclusion, understanding, and respect across our college community.
Held in the college cafeteria, the event welcomed a wide audience who came together not only to learn, but also to actively engage in a shared experience. From the very beginning, the message of the day was clear: “Not all the flowers grow the same” – a simple yet powerful reminder that differences are natural and valuable.
The event opened with a reflective message emphasising that autism is not something to be “fixed,” but something to be understood. This set a thoughtful and respectful tone for the session, encouraging students to approach the topic with empathy and openness.
A central feature of the event was the interactive AUTISM puzzle activity, which ran throughout the session and created a strong visual representation of the day’s message. Each letter of the word AUTISM carried meaning:
Always Unique, Totally Intelligent, Sometimes Mysterious.
Rather than presenting the message all at once, the puzzle was built gradually. Each speaker was invited to place a piece on the board before delivering their talk, symbolising how understanding is built step by step through different perspectives. This approach helped maintain engagement throughout the event and reinforced the idea that everyone plays a role in creating an inclusive environment.
We were honoured to welcome a range of speakers who contributed valuable insights. The event was opened by Mrs Sayeda Zain, Principal of Mont Rose College, who highlighted the importance of inclusion within education and the role institutions play in supporting diverse learners.
We were also pleased to host representatives from the Sycamore Trust, including Mr Steve Dixon, alongside Robert and Joseph, who shared powerful lived experiences. Their contributions provided a deeper, more personal understanding of autism, helping students connect theory with real-life perspectives.
Additional contributions from Mrs Tania Elahi, Mrs Farida Kalam, and student speaker Milana added further depth to the discussion. Each speaker brought a unique voice, emphasising the importance of acceptance, support, and recognising individual strengths.
Alongside raising awareness, the event also focused on making a positive impact beyond the college. The Blue-Ribbon Raffle played an important role in bringing the community together while supporting a meaningful cause. Thanks to the generosity of students and staff, £1000 was raised for the Sycamore Trust, contributing to ongoing support for individuals and families affected by autism. The raffle also added a positive and engaging element to the event, with the main hamper prize from Rituals being won by one of our students. This moment created excitement and further strengthened the sense of community and shared participation.
Towards the end of the event, students and staff were invited to come forward and complete the puzzle together. This final moment symbolised unity, collective responsibility, and the idea that inclusion is something we build together. The completed display became a powerful visual representation of the college’s shared commitment, followed by a group photo to capture the moment.
The event concluded with a key message: autism is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world. Inclusion starts with everyday actions — in how we communicate, how we support one another, and how we create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
Autism Awareness Day at Mont Rose College was more than just an event. It was a meaningful reflection of the college’s ongoing commitment to student engagement, equality, and inclusion. It demonstrated how impactful initiatives can be when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
We would like to thank all speakers, students, and staff who contributed to making this event a success.
Together, we continue to build a more inclusive and understanding community: one step, and one piece, at a time.
