Introducing: Hoods Up, Volume Down
Join a nationwide movement for acceptance, understanding and accessibility.
We are asking businesses, workplaces, schools and organisations to participate in a national ‘quiet hour’ on Wednesday April 2nd, at 10am. Turn down the lights, turn down the noise and turn up for the autistic community of Aotearoa.
How can you participate:
Purchase our limited edition #hoodsup2025 Hoodie or T-shirt. Many autistic people use hoodies as a way to block out overwhelming sensory input, and our hoodies are super soft and comfy, helpful for those who are sensitive to touch and texture. $10 from every hoodie sold goes straight to Autism New Zealand, to help us continue our work to support the autistic and wider autism communities of Aotearoa.
2. Organise a quiet hour at your school, workplace or organisation
On Wednesday April 2nd, at 10am, we are holding a nationwide quiet hour. This is an opportunity to make your environment more accessible to autistic people, and while it might seems like only a moment, it’s the start of a movement.
During this hour, we will show the autistic community that as a society we are ready to truly accept autism and embrace the accommodations needed to create an accessible society.
Check out our guide to creating a sensory friendly environment and other resources to help you with your event here.
3. Donate to Autism New Zealand
Your donation will go directly to helping us continue the services we provide to the autistic and wider autism communities, including:
- Outreach support nationwide
- Education programmes
- Early support for autistic tamariki
- Employment support
- Autism diagnosis
Autism New Zealand is a registered charity, with a commitment to empowering the autistic community to make informed choices and take action: every step together.
Resources
Find all the resources you may need for Hoods Up, Volume Down 2025 right here.
If you have any questions or need further information, please email communications@autismnz.org.nz
If you’re planning an event for Hoods Up, Volume Down, please let us know by completing the following information:
How to Donate
If you raise funds for Autism New Zealand during your event, you can donate in the following ways:
On our website: https://donorbox.org/autism-nz-donations
For any questions regarding your donation, please email accounts@autismnz.org.nz
If you have images of your event that you are happy for us to share (on social media, in newsletters or in other documents) please email them to communications@autismnz.org.nz, or send them to us via Facebook.
Please email communications@autismnz.org.nz if you have any further questions.