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Amaze has launched our Hoodie Up 2025 campaign to encourage conversations about autism.
Hoodie Up Day is an annual campaign run by Amaze. In 2025 the official day is Tuesday, 29 April. This year’s theme is ‘My Positive Autistic Identity’. Hoodie Up is a day to show your support for Autistic people and their families by wearing a hoodie at your workplace, school or out in the community.
Chief Executive Officer, David Tonge has seen the positive impacts of speaking about autism in the community.
“Each year we run the Hoodie Up campaign we see more and more people get involved. This tells us that Amaze’s role to open up conversations in the community is working.”
Amaze is pleased to see discussions about autism in the media. We applaud Jason Hawkins on Nova FM speaking this morning about his family’s experience with autism. We also cheer on Hugh Van Cuylenburg from the Imperfects podcast with his open letter on 14 March. Amaze is here for Autistic people and the autism community. This means that we acknowledge different perspectives and work together to create an inclusive Australia for all Autistic people and their families.
“Our dedicated advisors on the free Autism Connect National helpline are here to guide people through their diagnosis journey and support families, carers and workplaces to create a more inclusive community,” said Mr Tonge.
“For parents of neurodivergent children, the helpline can be an important resource to support them in their parenting journey.”
When people in the media use their position of privilege to speak about autism it makes it easier for others to be open about their experience and promote inclusion.
Amaze staff member, Rebecca Hope is proudly Autistic and is a keen advocate for inclusion.
“Taking the time to get to know an Autistic person for who they are and not in relation to a general definition demonstrates genuine respect and appreciation of the unique contributions they make to society,” said Ms Hope.
“Hoodie Up is important as it provides a unique opportunity to consider the perspectives of many Autistic individuals, particularly in regards to common sensory inputs such as loud noises and bright lights.”
Amaze staff member Briannah Young, who is also proudly Autistic understands how campaigns like Hoodie up raise awareness.
“Hoodie Up is important because it encourages advocacy for Autistic individuals and raises awareness of the challenges they face in a busy and demanding world.”
As a Human Resources professional, Ms Young advocates for inclusion in the workplace.
“A workplace that embraces a Hoodie Up event encourages Autistic employees to feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute authentically without fear of judgment,” said Ms Young.
“Of course, long term systemic change is needed to ensure workplaces foster patience, flexibility and curiosity, avoiding assumptions or biased expectations.”
Amaze is the peak body for Autistic people and their supporters in Victoria driving change so that Autistic people and their families can live their best lives. With 1 in 4 Australians having an Autistic family member, Amaze connects with the community through the National Autism Connect helpline, peer support networks and capacity building initiatives.
Some Autistic people may sometimes experience sensory overload by the environment around them. Wearing a hoodie is an easy self-regulation tool to reduce sensory input and support feeling calm.
For information on running your own Hoodie Up event at your workplace, school or community group visit the Amaze website
Pre-order your Hoodie Up merch from our webstore today!
For more information, advice and to request an Amaze spokesperson for interviews, please contact:
David Tonge, Chief Executive Officer 03 9657 1600 or [email protected]
Amaze recommends the inclusion of the Autism Connect helpline in news stories about Autism as stories may raise questions for readers.
If this story has raised any questions or concerns, please contact Autism Connect, a free national Autism helpline providing independent and expert information by phone, email and webchat.
1300 3038 699 or amaze.org.au/autismconnect