Being autistic is not a definition of who you are.

We are each unique and special and an autism diagnosis does not change this. The stories featured on this page have been provided by autistic adults and children and their families who have chosen to contribute. They explain how their life experiences are different but also, in many ways the same and as individual as yours and mine.

Each person living with autism has to find a way of managing their personal characteristics but these stories tell how simple adaptations and learning of new techniques lead to a rich and fulfilling life.

Sophia G Heading

On: 23/02/22 5 minutes

Michael's Story

Meet Michael – an animal-loving Futures learner at Autism Unlimited, with a diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Futures is a learning programme that...

On: 23/02/22 5 minutes

Dela's Insight

Dela is an area manager at Autism Unlimited, overseeing support to a number of individuals in the autistic community. Having worked in the health and social...

On: 14/02/22 8 minutes

Sophia's Story

"Autism in itself is not a negative, it is people’s lack of understanding and a lack of support that makes its impact so potentially damaging....

On: 23/02/22 3 minutes

Crystal's Insight

Crystal is a Community Connector at the Chris Page Centre, providing information and support to autistic adults, children and their families. She offers...

On: 28/02/22 4 minutes

Tyler's Story

Introducing Tyler - a sixth form student at Portfield School who shares his experiences with autism. Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a moment...

On: 20/04/22 15 minutes

Patrick's Story

Diagnosed three years ago at the age of 53, Patrick now works as a specialist mentor for an autism charity in addition to mentoring undergraduate students...

On: 23/03/22 3 minutes

Maddie's Story

Maddie has been a student at Portfield School for the past 5 years. Alongside her autism, she has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), which makes daily...

On: 03/03/22 4 minutes

Deborah's Story

Deborah is an artist-in-residence at Portfield School, inspiring students to explore their creative side. While officially diagnosed at 41, she knew...

On: 13/04/22 3 minutes

Futures Artist

Art allows a lot of people to express themselves in their own way, nurturing creativity, innovation and dialogue. It is commonly used as a therapeutic...

On: 01/02/22 5 minutes

Fenton's Story

Fenton is a 16 year old student at Portfield School, with an autism diagnosis and a talent for the performing arts. Diagnosed on his 3rd birthday,...

On: 21/01/22 3 minutes

Sarah's Insight

Sarah has been an ISL at Portfield School for the past 15 years, working closely with both the younger children and the sixth formers. She has been...

On: 01/02/22 4 minutes

Oliver's Story

Oliver is a 15 year old student at Portfield School with an autism diagnosis, dyspraxia and hypermobility. Discussing autism, he says, ‘Autism...

On: 20/04/22 3 minutes

Nevaeh's Story

Nevaeh is a talented 12-year-old singer, and newly appointed child ambassador for Autism Unlimited, who produced a magical performance at the launch of...

On: 20/04/22 15 minutes

Luke's Story

Luke is a governor at Portfield School, a carer to his mum, and works at a National Trust café. In addition to caring for his mum, who is physically...

On: 28/04/22 8 minutes

Stewart's Insight

Stewart is one of the assistant headteachers at Portfield School, with 20 years of teaching experience across a range of different schools. He shares his...

On: 28/04/22 5 minutes

Malcolm's Insight

Malcolm is currently the Chair of Trustees at Autism Unlimited, bringing a diversity of experience, passion and commitment to help the charity grow and...

On: 28/02/22 4 minutes

Kai's Story

Kai is a dedicated army cadet and sixth form student at Portfield School, sharing his thoughts on his autism. He has mixed views on autism, noting...

On: 26/05/22 2 minutes

Pepper, Cayden, and Max's Stories

Pepper, Cayden, and Max are students at Portfield School. Here, they share an insight into their autism, hobbies, and experiences. Pepper enjoys hanging...

On: 23/02/22 5 minutes

Robert's Story

Robert is a facilities administrator who has worked at Autism Unlimited for the past 8 and a half years. He was diagnosed with autism as a teenager....

On: 23/02/22 8 minutes

Archie's Story

‘Autism is a slightly different way of the brain functioning. I don’t think it means that you’re really any different to anyone else,...