Every child deserves to be understood, accepted and protected. No child should suffer because their developmental differences are misunderstood or wrongly attributed to spiritual possession.
WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT CIC is a UK-based advocacy organisation committed to protecting autistic children and children with Down syndrome from harmful beliefs, stigma, abuse and dangerous practices associated with the misconception that their conditions are caused by evil spirits or spiritual affliction.
Our work is driven by one fundamental belief: children with developmental differences need understanding, appropriate support and protection, never fear, humiliation or harm.
We recognise that deeply rooted misconceptions can influence how some families and communities understand autism and Down syndrome. In certain circumstances, these misconceptions can lead to exorcism or other spiritual interventions being used in an attempt to cure or change a child. When such practices involve violence, coercion, restraint, intimidation or the denial of appropriate healthcare, they can place children’s physical and emotional wellbeing at serious risk.
We exist to challenge these harmful practices, raise awareness and help create a future where every child can grow up in safety, dignity and acceptance.
For some children, being different can mean facing misunderstanding before they are given the opportunity to be understood.
Autistic children may communicate, behave, interact or respond to their surroundings in ways that others do not expect. Children with Down syndrome may have distinctive developmental, learning and healthcare needs. Without accurate information, these differences can sometimes be wrongly interpreted as evidence of spiritual problems or possession.
Such misconceptions can have devastating consequences when they lead to harmful treatment, emotional trauma, isolation or delayed access to appropriate care.
Autism and Down syndrome are not evidence of demonic possession, and exorcism is not an evidence-based treatment for either condition.
At WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT CIC, we believe that misinformation must be challenged with knowledge, harmful practices must be confronted through advocacy, and vulnerable children must be protected through awareness, education and safeguarding.
Every child has the right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and degrading treatment. We advocate for greater awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and encourage action whenever a child may be at risk.
We work to improve understanding of autism, Down syndrome and developmental differences. By sharing reliable information, we aim to challenge misconceptions that can contribute to stigma, discrimination and harmful practices.
Children should never be made to feel that they are evil, cursed, broken or less worthy because of their developmental differences. Every child deserves kindness, respect, inclusion and the opportunity to develop their abilities.
Families need access to trustworthy information, appropriate professional support and compassionate guidance. We want to help parents and carers understand their children’s needs and make informed decisions that protect their wellbeing.
Lasting change requires constructive dialogue and collective responsibility. We seek to encourage conversations with families, educators, healthcare professionals, community representatives and faith leaders to challenge harmful practices and promote child safety.
A world where no child is harmed, stigmatised or denied appropriate support because of autism, Down syndrome or other developmental differences.
We envision communities where children are understood rather than feared, families are supported rather than blamed, and developmental differences are met with knowledge, compassion and acceptance.
We want every child to have the freedom to learn, grow, participate in community life and fulfil their potential without being subjected to harmful beliefs or practices.
To replace fear with knowledge, stigma with compassion and harmful practices with protection and understanding.
Through advocacy, education, awareness campaigns and community engagement, we aim to challenge the use of exorcism as a supposed treatment for autism and Down syndrome, highlight the risks associated with abusive practices, and promote access to appropriate healthcare, education and support.
We are committed to helping communities recognise that protecting children is a shared responsibility and that every child deserves to be treated with dignity.
Changing deeply held beliefs takes time, understanding and collective action. Every conversation that challenges misinformation, every family that receives reliable guidance and every child protected from harm brings us closer to a safer and more inclusive society.
At WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT CIC, we believe that no child should have to suffer to be accepted and no family should have to navigate misunderstanding alone.
Together, we can challenge harmful practices, support families and build communities where children are valued for who they are.
Every child deserves understanding. Every child deserves dignity. Every child deserves protection.
Join WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT CIC in working towards a future where developmental differences are understood, harmful practices are challenged and every child can grow up safe, supported and accepted.
Your contribution fuels our work to challenge harmful beliefs, train community leaders, and protect vulnerable children across the UK.
We’re here to listen. Whether you need support, have a question, or want to share your story, reach out to our team.
Your voice matters.
