Maassluis joins national call for autism-friendly spaces during Autism Week
Maassluis municipality is promoting inclusivity for the 200,000 people with autism in the Netherlands by supporting Autism Week. Small adjustments, like low-stimulus environments, can help reduce school dropout rates and unemployment among those with autism.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Autism Week (March 28 – April 4, 2026) |
| Focus | Calm and low-stimulus environments |
| Flag Raising | March 30, 2026, by Councillor Martijn Kroonen at Maassluis Town Hall |
| Special Initiative | Low-stimulus hour at Doe Mee Markt (April 20, 2026, 10:00–11:00 AM) |
| Autism Prevalence in NL | 200,000 people |
| School Attendance Issue | 1 in 6 students with autism does not attend school |
| Unemployment Rate | Half of adults with autism are unemployed |
| Organizer | Dutch Association for Autism (NVA) |
| More Info | www.ruimtevoorautisme.nl |
The municipality of Maassluis plays a role in fostering social inclusion by supporting initiatives like Autism Week. Local governments in the Netherlands often collaborate with advocacy groups to raise awareness and implement practical measures for marginalized communities.
Read the full translated article below
Together we make space for people with autism
Councillor Martijn Kroonen raised the Autism Week flag at the town hall on Monday, March 30, 2026.
With this flag, the municipality of Maassluis is showing that it is actively committed to greater understanding, acceptance, and space for people with autism in our society.
Autism Week
From March 28 to April 4, 2026, it is Autism Week. This year, the focus is on calm. For many people, a crowded train, a noisy classroom, or bright office lighting can be tiring or unpleasant. But for a large part of the 200,000 people with autism in the Netherlands, it is a serious obstacle. Calm is crucial for them and determines whether they can participate in work, school, or society. The Dutch Association for Autism (NVA) is therefore calling for attention to calm and the ability to follow your own pace.
Councillor Martijn Kroonen: "By raising the flag, we as a municipality are showing that we are committed to an inclusive society in which people with autism can fully thrive." As an example, he mentions the special low-stimulus hour from 10:00 to 11:00 AM during the Doe Mee Markt on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Theater Koningshof.
Moments of calm
The NVA is also advocating for moments of calm at school and work. The ability to take a break can help prevent overload. Currently, one in six students with autism does not attend school. Similar problems arise at work: without a moment to recharge, people may drop out. Partly as a result, half of adults with autism are unemployed. Small adjustments and a bit more understanding can make a big difference. Think of a low-stimulus meeting room at work, breaks that can be scheduled according to personal needs, or a fixed daily structure. Talk to each other and ask what someone with autism needs.
You can find more information about the NVA and Autism Week at www.ruimtevoorautisme.nl.