Service users celebrated the day by wearing blue, the recognised colour of autism awareness, and took part in a variety of quizzes and games.
Located on Worksop Road in Chesterfield, Cygnet Acer Clinic is a 28-bed service for women with personality disorders, complex needs or acute mental health needs, run by Cygnet Health Care in Derbyshire.
The games day on 2 April, which is World Autism Awareness Day, featured crosswords, quizzes and crafts to help explore the diversity of the autism spectrum.
One of the patients designed a factsheet about autistic celebrities, celebrating their achievements. Other activities run by the staff helped service users learn more about why people with autism are at a higher risk for mental health problems.
Abigail Hague, Clinical Manager at Cygnet Acer Clinic, said the day was successful in supporting patients and raising awareness of autism.
She said: “We really enjoyed the day as it allowed us to learn more about each other and gave us a chance to celebrate neurodiversity.
“April is World Autism Acceptance Month and it is very important. It helps educate people about autism, promotes understanding and acceptance, and celebrates the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.
“By raising awareness, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.”
As part of the day, service users were also given the opportunity to complete an Autism Environmental Tool, which gave them the chance to offer ideas on how to make Cygnet Acer Clinic even more autism-friendly.
Abigail highlighted the importance of including both staff and service users in this feedback session.
The Clinical Manager said: “Co-production has transformed the way health and social care providers operate, and the importance of involving the voice of the people we support at every level of the organisation is something that we embrace at Cygnet Health Care.
“Everyone was invited to take part in this exercise to ensure it was representative of the people who use and work within the service.
“Service users reported enjoying the day as it allowed some of them to learn new facts and become more aware of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Some patients highlighted that they would find a schedule of activities helpful in the future so it is more structured for them. We appreciate all service user feedback as it helps us to plan events in the future.”