New Zealanders are being encouraged to think of autism as a gift to celebrate rather than a condition to worry about.

School mufti days, bake stalls, movie nights and office events are being organised over the next few weeks to mark Autism Awareness month.

No one knows exactly how many people are on the autism spectrum, but around 40,000 people are affected by it.

Children's Autism Foundation general manager Teresa Moore says autism can create challenges, but also enables people to live wonderful lives.

"There are some sensory needs and soforth that you may like to be aware of, but everybody I've met with autism have been absolutely amazing people with definite gifts and strengths."