An autistic person seeks advice on sharing his story — crafting his narrative, audience focus, and emotional boundaries are key for impactful presentations.
Sometimes people contact me for advice. So does Thomas, a young autistic man, he aspires to travel across the country to share his story about living with autism, how he navigates life as an autistic person, and how he can inspire others to find happiness and contentment.
Seeking advice from those with experience in speaking about autism, he approached me for insights. Although I am just one of many autistic individuals who share their stories, I am happy to offer my perspective.
It is crucial for an autistic person to craft his/her own narrative, as it is his/her unique experience. Additionally, understanding the expectations of his/her audience or the organization hosting him/her is vital.”
It is crucial for Thomas to craft his own narrative, as it is his unique experience. Additionally, understanding the expectations of his audience or the organization hosting him is vital. This does not mean tailoring his message to what they want to hear, but rather considering their interests and experiences to make his story more relevant and impactful.
When deciding what to share, Thomas must, like every public speaker, determine which parts of his story he is comfortable sharing publicly and which should remain private. It is essential to respect the privacy of others and avoid sharing personal information without their consent.
Starting with a brief introduction about who he is, where he comes from, his diagnosis, his work, and his hobbies is a good way to begin. Keeping this section concise is important, as these details can often be less engaging. Allowing the audience to ask questions afterward, or discussing in advance when and how questions will be taken, can make the session more interactive.
My own speaking engagements are often organized by autism organizations, which handle the logistics and administration. Sometimes they even arrange transportation, but typically I manage that myself. It is courteous to briefly introduce the organizing party.
The content of my presentations often depends on the questions from the audience. At times, my lecture transforms into a dialogue, especially when the audience is seated in a circle. In more prepared settings, like schools, students tend to ask many questions, which I appreciate as it makes the session more engaging.
I cover a range of topics including my diagnosis journey, my childhood, school experiences, daily challenges, communication, special interests and talents, the transition from school to work, misconceptions about autism, the support I receive, what I mean with inclusion, the role neurodiversity plays in my life, my relationships with others, and my experiences within the autism community. I also provide tips for caregivers and others on how to better support and communicate with autistic individuals.
There are subjects I deliberately avoid, such as overly personal or intimate details, and I strive not to portray others negatively. I refrain from giving medical or therapeutic advice, as I am not a certified professional. I also avoid sharing extremely negative or positive stories to maintain a balanced and nuanced narrative. I ensure that I do not discuss recent, emotionally charged events that might make me appear overly vulnerable.
Flexibility and responsiveness to the audience’s expectations and needs are crucial. The goal is to create a dialogue that is valuable for both sides. Sharing what promotes this dialogue and avoiding what might hinder it can make Thomas’s storytelling more impactful and relevant.
Practical examples of successful speaking engagements include a session at a high school where students completed an assignment related to my talk, a lecture at an autism organization where an open dialogue emerged, and workshops where participants were actively involved and received practical advice for their situations.
Techniques for handling emotionally challenging topics include setting clear boundaries on what not to discuss and communicating these to the audience, using humor and relatability to lighten heavy topics, and balancing challenges with positive experiences to provide a well-rounded perspective. Sometimes being called ‘the best stand-up comedy I saw in years’ can be a compliment well-deserved.
By sharing personal anecdotes that resonate with the audience, every autistic person, like Thomas, can further strengthen his narrative and enhance its impact.
The European Autist 