"It's How You Show Up"

3 April 2025

90s

The show must go on.

The dad in this National Autistic Society commercial has been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. He grew up with autism when it was misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed altogether. Things have improved a lot since then, but have they improved enough for Penny, his autistic daughter? It depends how many people "show up" for kids like her.

Chris shows up day and night, of course. If Penny can't sleep, eat breakfast, or put on her school blazer because it’s too itchy, he gives her the time and space she needs. When he starts to get overwhelmed, his wife does the same for him. This is a family on the same page—it's not always an easy read, but the Wakemans love the book they're writing together.

So, what happens when the rest of society shows up? For starters, it offers Penny a quiet space at school. Through gestures like this, the charity says, families like the Wakemans can breathe more sighs of relief and contentment. As Penny leaves the house with headphones over her ears and a smile on her face, viewers are encouraged to help shape a world that accommodates, not antagonise.

UK

Charities