Even as the world progresses and we get to experience more in life, persons with autism—a hidden disability—often feel left behind. This gap highlights a genuine lack of recognition and support for the unique challenges they face. Now, more than ever, it’s on all of us to show empathy, raise awareness, and extend compassion. 

What’s priceless to autistic persons is being accepted for who they are and how they navigate life.

#AcceptanceMatters, led by Mastercard, is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative that unites its partners and the people of Singapore to create priceless experiences for the autistic community and their loved ones. 

In partnership with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, we introduced this simple yet powerful symbol to the community. The Sunflower, worn as a small accessory, helps autistic individuals signal that they may need a little extra patience, understanding, or support—whether they’re shopping, commuting, working, or moving through public spaces. 

To deepen understanding, we teamed up with St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) to share the experiences of three of its members, highlighting their everyday challenges and interactions with the world through video. Alongside these three, we also featured six other incredible individuals in our Out-of-Home (OOH) advertisements, showcasing their unique behaviors. Together, these touchpoints helped us foster empathy while offering practical tips on engaging with autistic persons in public. 

Beyond featuring this journey on priceless.com and our campaign page on SAAC.org.sg, we took the conversation to TikTok. Collaborating with creators from TikTok for Good, we shared content that breaks down myths and misconceptions about autism in a way that’s easy to understand and share. 

By making autism more visible and relatable, #AcceptanceMatters opens the door to greater empathy and a more inclusive society. As this initiative grows, and as more people come to embrace these values, we can build a community where every person—no matter their challenges—feels seen, respected, and valued.