Recently, in Cardiff, South Wales, there has been a photography exhibition with a difference.
The aim was to promote Cardiff becoming more Neurodivergent-friendly:
- Aware
- Inclusive
- Affirming
"Autistic children and young people from south Wales have created a photography exhibition to try and change negative attitudes.
"But you don't look autistic" includes portraits of a number of neurodivergent adults and children.
Jade West from Rewild Play, a Newport charity, said neurodivergent children were "bombarded with messages of can't" but the exhibition was trying change that mindset."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g0exgdqdqo
Although the exhibition in Cardiff's Hubs and Libraries closed at the end of August 2025; you can still get more of an idea about the project and exhibition here. [A video with handheld filming and musicians playing at different volume levels - 3:53 minutes]:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11BFwrASD1E
Below, covers the same material - as a podcast - 21:07 minutes.
[We wanted to make you aware this podcast could includes conversations around mental health and wellbeing and could include topics of a sensitive nature]:
"Patrick speaks with Jade from Rewild Play, a charity dedicated to inclusive and nature-based learning, and Rosie, one of the models featured in the exhibition. They discuss their personal experiences and the profound impact this event has on promoting autism awareness and fostering a more inclusive society."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydydIKt06Aw
I liked the concept; that it was children and young people photographing the diverse Neurodivergent role models accessible to them in their community as the project aimed to: de-stigmatise Neurodivergent presentations and celebrate both their diversity and achievements.
I thought the project operated on four levels:
- the children and young people worked on a joint project about being more visible in community as Autistic people,
- the photographer's got to meet Neurodivergent role models they may not have previously realised were around their community,
- the Autistic community was able to self-advocate around there not being only one way that Autistic people look and sound, plus, celebrating our diversity and achievements within society, and
- we have heard enough messaging around deficits and "can't" ...it is high time we pushed the messages around capabilities and "csn do"!
I wondered if a similar approach might be welcomed and embraced by Autism support groups around the country e.g. if they were to have a stand at a fete, or other community event / run a PR awareness / inclusion / affirming campaign: promoting the visibility of their group / other resources and the diverse roles Autistic people contribute in their local communities too?
