In the world portrayed by the media, only able-bodied, neurotypical men and women are capable of success and happiness.
On TV and film, autistic people—or should I say, men and boys—are relegated to supporting roles and are often textbook examples, as opposed to complex, distinct characters – that is unless they display exceptional intellectual ability.
The characters are almost always socially awkward or non-verbal in need of 24-hour care, seemingly incapable of holding down a job, forming lasting relationships or leading a fulfilling life.
The media are failing to truly represent the spectrum of autism, so the #actuallyautistic community are working to change this narrative.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of autistic advocates are utilising social media to educate the general public what it actually means to be autistic.
The community discusses experiences and issues surrounding school, university, and jobs, as well as sharing real-life stories, from supportive experiences to traumatic events.
The advocates are creating fantastic free content—posts, blogs, videos and otherwise—to fill the gap the media has made, to affirm and embrace neurodiversity, and explain why we should be raising autism acceptance, not awareness.
With that in mind, we wanted to share some autistic advocates we recommend following on Instagram.
The Autistic Life is run by 28-year-old Agustina from Uruguay. Agustina wears many hats as a graphic designer, illustrator, lettering artist, writer and Psychology student, yet is still finds time to share insightful tales and experiences as an autistic person and valuable coping mechanisms and solutions on the daily.
Follow @theautisticlife
Actually Aspling – aka Victoria Ellen – is a neurodivergent advocate and blogger. On Instagram, she shares colourful, affirmative posts that celebrate neurodiversity, as well as her own person experiences to break down myths and misconceptions surrounding autism.
Follow @actuallyaspling
Lauren Melissa’s Aspienelle Instagram account is the birthplace of Autietips: practical pieces of advice designed to “inspire, comfort and connect the acutally autistic community”. Topics range from diagnosis and self-advocacy, to coping skills and stimming.
Follow @aspienelle
Packed with eye-opening insights, hilarious memes and relatable videos, Aspergirl makes learning about neurodiversity fun. The page is run by Bibi Bilodeau, an openly queer and openly autistic writer, comedian and youth activist. Head over to her page and prepare to shout, laugh and cry, all in one sitting.
Follow @aspergirl
Autistic Tyla – aka Tyla Grant – is a no-nonsense autistic advocate on a mission to ensure autistic adults in the grey area of ‘needing help but not that much help’ don’t face adulthood alone. Her feed focusses on the transition from adolesense to adulthood, conveyed through affirmative posts and videos.
Follow @autistictyla
Undercover Autie creator, Emma, is a London-based autistic writer. Diagnosed at 26, Emma was ‘undercover’ for most of her life, and now deicates her page to “provide comfort to those who relate to me and insight to those who don’t.”
Follow @undercoverautie
Christa the ‘Neurodivergent Rebel’ uses her platform to rebel ‘against a culture that values assimilatioin over individuality.” She does so by sharing snapshots of everyday life and creating powerful campaigns, such as #takethemaskoff.
Follow @neurodivergentrebel
No subject is taboo over on ‘The Spectrum Girl’. Charlotte brilliantly uses her platform to educate others about being on the spectrum, discussing anything and everything, from escaping an abusive relationship and recovering from autistic burnout, to masking and sensory sensitivities.
Follow @thespectrumgirl