"See Us as Individuals, Not Stereotypes"

7 April 2025

33s

Jess think about it.

World Autism Acceptance Month got off a strong start with 'It's How You Show Up', a powerful film released by the National Autistic Society. A few days later, we have 'See Us as Individuals, Not Stereotypes' courtesy of charity Autistica, agency House 337, and director Sindha Agha, whose 'Body Language' series for BBC Three has stood her in very good stead.

Jess has autism, and everyone around her thinks they know what that means. It means she doesn't laugh at jokes, talk at work, or sing 'Happy Birthday' at Dan's birthday party, right? Time for her to set the record straight: her date's jokes are terrible; her colleagues' small talk is terminal; and Dan… well, everyone knows he's "a bit of a prick". Her delivery is spot-on as easy answers are given short shrift.

Jess represents herself, not a whole neurodevelopmental disorder—an idea handled with care and humour by Agha. Assumptions make life easy for employers, educators, policymakers, and the general public—instead, the advertised charity wants them to acknowledge the individual and respect how they live with the condition.

UK

Charities