Autistic Pride Day: When the neurodiversity movement began in the 1990s, its primary aim was to increase awareness about neurological minorities—communities that included individuals with autism, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, and other developmental conditions.
Now, in 2025, the movement has come a long way. The field of psychology has made great strides in understanding neurodiversity, and neurodivergent individuals are widely recognised as a thriving community. To honour one such group, we celebrate June 18 as Autistic Pride Day.
Autistic Pride Day is a celebration of individuals with autism. While some people use the clinical term “autism spectrum disorder (ASD)”, it is increasingly common and respectful to use person-first language and refer to individuals as “autistic people”.
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What is autism?
Autism refers to a diverse set of conditions, typically characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, transitions between tasks or activities, and, at times, unusual sensory responses. This affects how autistic individuals interact in social settings, use and understand speech, and interpret body language and tone.
Although their interaction styles may differ from conventional norms, they are no less meaningful. Autism also influences cognitive processes, pattern recognition, and imagination. People with autism often have an altered way of perceiving, thinking, and responding to emotions and situations.
Each autistic individual has unique needs, and these may evolve with age. Most are diagnosed in childhood, although symptoms may appear between the ages of one and three. A definitive diagnosis often comes much later, which is critical in ensuring access to social services and medical care.
The intellectual capacity of autistic individuals varies widely—from profound impairment to superior intelligence.
History of Autistic Pride Day
Autistic Pride Day was first celebrated by an organisation named Aspies for Freedom (AFF). Since its inception in 2005, it marks two decades of celebration in 2025.
What sets this initiative apart is that the work done for Autistic Pride Day is led by autistic individuals themselves, rather than by charities or advocacy groups. The symbol for the day is a rainbow infinity loop, representing the diversity of the autism spectrum.
Celebrating autism in the Capital
In a world where opportunities are limited for those who are born different, some institutions are making a lasting impact. One such example is Lemon Tree Hotels, known for their inclusive hiring practices that favour individuals with disabilities and developmental conditions.
Their vision is rooted in empowering those who are specially abled, providing them with opportunities to be part of a workplace where they are valued.
Abhijeet Shrivastava, the Chief Operating Officer of Lemon Tree Hotels, was part of the original team that launched this programme. Speaking to Patriot, he explained the motivation behind it.
“This started back in 2009. The idea was to help people in our society. We saw people unable to get jobs, whose lives were not great,” Shrivastava said. “These job opportunities were created for them, initially in Food and Beverage service and housekeeping, and later in other departments as well. We wanted them to be seen as good people of society who can work and earn their livelihood.”
He shared that studies were conducted to anticipate the difficulties these employees might face. “The hotel industry is about humans interacting with humans. It’s basically speech and body language, which is the predominant way of interacting with each other.”
An inclusive workplace
While autism can hinder conventional social interaction, the service at Lemon Tree Hotel in Gurugram Sector 60 left no room for complaint. All specially abled staff members were polite, attentive, and efficient in their roles.
One such staff member is Ekas, a neurodivergent woman working at the in-house restaurant. The conversation with her may have been unorthodox, but it was marked by enthusiasm and sincerity. Ekas shared details of her daily routine, guided the visitors around the restaurant, and did so with warmth and pride.
Vrindh Kriti Rathour, the Deputy HR Manager at Lemon Tree Hotels, also spoke with Patriot. Watching her engage with her team revealed the open and candid communication that flourishes at the hotel.
“They’re so caring about their teammates, always enquiring about their well-being. They form special bonds like everyone else,” she said.
Rathour added that most specially abled employees wear a tag identifying their condition for the benefit of guests, and supervisors are trained in sign language to communicate effectively with non-verbal staff members.
Mitti Café: Inclusion at the heart of institutions
Another standout example of inclusion in Delhi is Mitti Café, with outlets inside Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Supreme Court. The café is known for employing individuals on the autism spectrum.
Swarnabha Mitra, the Communications Head of Mitti Café, explained the selection process. “At Mitti Café, the employment process for individuals on the autism spectrum is rooted in empathy, patience, and personalisation.
“We begin with outreach and screening in collaboration with special educators, NGOs, and inclusive schools. This is followed by an experiential training programme tailored to each individual’s abilities, interests, and learning pace. Tasks are broken down into simple, structured steps, supported by visual aids, consistent routines, and calm, sensory-friendly environments.”
She emphasised that the focus is on building confidence and providing a safe, enabling space. Once trained, individuals are employed in roles suited to their strengths—from kitchen prep to customer service—with continued mentorship and peer support.
When asked about challenges, Mitra acknowledged that staff may face communication difficulties, social anxiety, sensory sensitivity, or motor skill limitations. However, the café has devised innovative approaches to tackle these hurdles.
“We use visual cue cards, hands-on task demonstrations, clear routines, and role-specific customisation. Regular check-ins, positive reinforcement, and an environment free of judgment go a long way in helping individuals build confidence,” she said.
“Family involvement and counselling support are also part of our holistic approach. Most importantly, we focus on what each person can do—not what they can’t—and create an enabling space that values effort as much as outcome.”
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A blueprint for inclusive futures
Both Lemon Tree Hotels and Mitti Café offer more than just employment—they tell a story of resilience, equality, and empathy. These are not acts of charity, but thoughtful, sustainable models of inclusion that redefine how society sees ability and success.
Each member of their staff, through their determination and work, offers us a new way to understand—and celebrate—diversity and humanity.
