Sophie, the Duchess of Sussex, shares message for World Autism Awareness Month 2025

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has shared an important message for World Autism Acceptance Month this April.

The royal’s video message has been posted on social media by UK organisation the National Autistic Society, of which she is patron.

“April is when we celebrate World Autism Acceptance Month,” Sophie, 60, began.

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“This is an opportunity for everyone to come together, to raise awareness and to create a society where autistic people are supported, understood and empowered.”

She said there would be “lots of opportunities throughout the month to get involved” via the National Autistic Society.

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“It is also really important that the positive impact created during April is felt all year round for autistic people and their families, and not confined to one moment in time,” Sophie explained.

She spoke of awareness of autism increasing but added that there was “still so much more to do” including in “education, employment, diagnosis and mental health”.

In Australia, it is estimated 1 in 40 people have been diagnosed with autism.

Aspect Autism Spectrum Australia is marking what it has labelled World Autism Understanding Day (April 2) with a powerful new campaign to enhance the public’s understanding of autism and provide practical guidance on how Australians can better support people on the autism spectrum.

New research by YouGov has found only half of all Australians believe they understand what autism is and a further 45 per cent say they have “only a limited understanding”.

The study also found Australians are unsure how to respond when someone discloses they are autistic and one third would not know what to say.

Only 59 per cent of Australians say they feel confident in knowing how to support people on the autism spectrum.

Jacqui Borland, Aspect’s CEO, said these insights highlight a significant gap in autism understanding and reinforce the importance of equipping people with the right knowledge and confidence to interact supportively with autistic individuals.

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“We estimate that at least 1 in 40 Australians have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, so it is a part of everyday life for many Australians – whether it’s a family member, a friend, a colleague or a customer,” Borland said.

“While awareness of autism has grown over the years, true understanding remains a challenge.

“Every person who takes the time to learn more about autism and how to offer meaningful support brings us one step closer to a society that embraces genuine inclusion.”

Australian autistic actor Michael Theo, star of Love on the Spectrum and Austin, said he’s experienced first-hand a lack of understanding of autism.

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“I am not surprised to see these research results and know what it feels like when people in society don’t understand what autism means and what they can say or do to be supportive,” Theo said.

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“I applaud anyone who can admit they don’t understand autism because it shows a willingness to learn more and that’s what will make a real difference for myself and others on the autism spectrum.

“It is tiring and can be demeaning to try and constantly fit in at a workplace, at parties, at school or simply shopping, so the more people know about small things they can do to support us, the better society will be.”

There is hope on the horizon, with the study finding younger Australians, particularly Gen Z, have a greater understanding of autism and feel more confident than their older counterparts to respond well to those who disclose that they are autistic.

”The good news is that most Australians overwhelmingly agree, with 92 per cent respondents believing society should become more inclusive of people on the autism spectrum,” Borland said.

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