Brighton Palace Pier will turn gold this weekend in support of Autism Acceptance Week.

The pier will be lit up as part of the campaign to promote acceptance of the symptoms of autism, including hypermobility and other physical health issues.

The movement comes after other landmarks across the city previously lit up gold for the campaign, including the seafront i360.

Jane Green, chairwoman of SEDSConnective which supports neurodivergent people with hypermobility, said: “Acceptance is key to tackling the loneliness and isolation often felt by autistic children and adults. There are groups of autistic professionals out there who are scared to be ‘outed’ as this might be detrimental to their careers.

“By showing who we are, what obstacles we have faced or continue to face, this will help children and young people to be heard. We are not saying we are better than anyone else, but we are different.”

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The colour gold was chosen as it represents the value of autistic people and due to the chemical symbol, Au, also being the first two letters in autism.

Autism Acceptance was first organised in 2011 in response to autism awareness campaigns which some in the community found “distasteful and unhelpful”.

The pier will be illuminated gold on Sunday, April 2. Other landmarks in Sussex which will also be lit up include the Crawley Mall.

Anne Ackord, chief executive of the Palace Pier, said: “We are very pleased to turn the pier lights gold to help reinforce the message of Autism Awareness Day.

The Argus: Jane Green MBEJane Green MBE (Image: SEDSConnective)

“I know from personal experience that there is a lack of understanding of all the complexities of autism and a need for us to help increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism.

“By standing together we can make a world of difference.”

SEDSConnective improves and actively supports the lives of people with symptomatic hypermobility.

Jane Green was awarded an MBE in the recent New Year’s Honours list for her work with the group.