• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 28 subscribers
  • Views 496 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Awareness & acceptance mission

interestedgirl

Hi there,

I'm a third year university student studying Graphic Design at UCLan. My project this term is to help raise awareness, knowledge and most importantly acceptance of people on the Autistic Spectrum.
After weeks of research I've found a lot of past awareness campaigns are quite negative, showing a "broken" adult or child in a distressed state or a very busy and loud poster in grey-scale that doesn't convey the right information. My research has indicated that those touched by and knowledgeable of, Autistic Spectrum Disorder think that past efforts promote "outward lies" that could portray those effected to be "pathetic, helpless, unfeeling people". 
My project will unfortunately not be going live, however I would really appreciate some opinions and thoughts on how advertising can be used to improve the public's awareness, understanding and acceptance of this Disorder.
[removed by moderator]
I am wanting to create a positive outcome and do not have any limitations as to how the information will be given, whether it be through billboard posters or flyers, 3D information packs or street furniture. A particular phrase I am hooked on is, "Autism is a gift disguised as a dilemma."
Feel free to email me with any comments too,
[removed by moderator]
 
Many thanks,
interestedgirl - wanting to help.

  • Hi interestedgirl

    Do you have an ASD yourself? Or do you know anyone with one? I was just wondering as I'm keen to start some kind of awareness campaign myself. Your project sounds very interesting and positive to me and I would love to help in any way I can. I'm aspiring to be an artist so I could help with illustration or something if you want. I don't know if there's a private messaging feature on this site or not but I will have a look and see if there's any way we can discuss it

    Cheers

    Laddo

  • Hi interested girl,

    Welcome to the community. Your project is truly very interesting and helpful. I had to remove some bits from your post because of the community rules (please have a look at your own time) - so could you please seek permission from NAS before you post personal details (email) or questions related to a uni project even if it is not published? 

    Thank you!

    KalliopiMod 

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    I'm glad that you are aware and wanting to help :-) However, I'm sceptical about whether improved autism attitudes can be sold in this way. Some things can be done in some media but not everything can be done in all media. I actually think that it is far more effective to show people in documentary or soap opera situations. The condition is just way too complex and subtle to illustrate on a poster or create a catch phrase for.