Exploring what it means to hear about autism directly from autistic people rather than through others' interpretations.
Thinking about masking and what it can cost a person to consistently adapt their communication to fit neurotypical expectations.
Considering how the same diagnosis can mean very different things for different people and why generalising can be unhelpful.
Reflecting on what environments, relationships, and responses help autistic people communicate and participate authentically.
Noticing the strengths each person brings and what is possible when autistic people are given genuine opportunity and support.
Autistic young people who are part of The Assembly, an ABC journalism program, share their own insights into what autism is and what it means for them. Each person describes their experience in their own words, showing how autism looks and feels differently from one person to the next. The participants talk about navigating social situations, managing sensory experiences, and the effort that can go into adapting to environments not designed with them in mind. The video centres autistic voices and presents each person as the expert on their own experience.
• What stood out to you about the way the participants described their own experience of autism?
• Was there anything someone said that connected with your own experience?
• Can you think of a situation where you have had to work hard to fit in with the expectations of those around you?
• What did feel like and what might have made it easier?
• How does it feel to hear autistic people speaking about their own experience in their own words?
• Is there something about your own experience that you think is often misunderstood by others?
• What would you want others to know about what autism means for you?
The questions within this guide are designed to open dialogue and facilitate discussion around the relevant topics. It is up to the user to adapt as needed to best suit the person they are supporting. A neuroaffirming approach was central to the design of these resources and remains essential to their application. This means recognising and respecting the diverse ways people think, communicate, and experience the world, ensuring all conversations are led with curiosity, respect, and without judgement. These resources are a starting point. Trust your knowledge of the person you are supporting to shape the conversation from there.
For access to playback speed, transcripts or closed captions, please click the video title in the top left of the player to access the Youtube source where these controls are provisioned.
We are always looking to grow and improve this resource and would love to hear from you. Whether you have a suggestion for a clip or topic, a question about your subscription, or feedback to share, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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