Jaja (she/they) was in the steering group and a protagonist for the Autistica hero film Our World, 2030, and spent a year as a coproduction officer at Autism@Manchester. Jaja is originally from Thailand but has studied in Manchester since 2021. Growing up, the only representation they saw of autistic people in media was white, male scientists. Now, they’re keen to show the world there is more than one way to be autistic.

Could you tell us about your experiences as a steering group member and protagonist in the Autistica hero film?

I wanted to get involved as it was merging two favourite things: autism advocacy and film.

Because I was in the film’s steering group, I heard about its vision. We talked a lot about representing as many different groups of autistic people as possible. To me, it’s important to be an authentic representation on camera. In the steering group, I got to work on the content and how to make that representation most genuine. I was excited that the whole cast was neurodivergent. It felt like something that had never been done before.

I remember travelling to London on filming day and thinking, “I can't believe this is happening. I'm going to see some representation of someone who looks like me.” It feels like a first for me. I feel like it is a first for a lot of people too.

I've learned a lot of work goes into something like this. I see a lot of two-minute clips online, and they go by so quickly. But when you know what goes on behind the scenes to make these things happen, you appreciate them that much more.

Our World, 2030 hasn’t been your only venture into acting this year. You were selected for a project with the National Youth Theatre too.

I went to a community audition and workshop in March. I told the auditioner “I want to get someone like me on the stage or in front of the camera. The younger me would want to see someone like me. That's why I want to be a part of this.”

I know it's a prestigious organisation. I have no training so I left with no expectations. I just remember thinking “That was such a good experience”.

Two months later I got an email saying I got into the course! It’s a digital merge between theatre and film – digital theatre, and I’m working with 20 talented actors. We have a showcase coming up soon.

Could you share why representation is important to you?

Firstly, if you don't see it, you won't recognise it to support people. For example, if you can't see any representation of female autistics or autistic people of colour, then it becomes difficult to diagnose and support those individuals.

Growing up, I didn't see someone like me in the media or anywhere, really. By that, I mean someone who was openly autistic, who would talk about their strengths and challenges in the way that I'm trying to do now. I think that this is probably the same for many other autistic people of colour, female autistics, trans or non-binary autistic people.

Autistic people need to see representation. It's good to reassure people that they can do the things they want to do. And, in time, the world can support them to be who they want to be. That starts with authentic representation.

Your character in the film is in a job interview scene. Have you had many interviews before? If so, what has been your experience of them?

For me, the interview process can be scary. What you saw in the film represents my own experience quite well. When we started filming, I thought “Yeah. I’ve been here.”

The best interviews have been when interviewers set clear expectations and genuinely care about accommodating you before you even step into that interview room, rather than tacking on a question at the end, like “And how can we accommodate you?”

I think even non-autistic people would find it reassuring to get more information in advance and know what's going to happen. So, in accommodating autistic people, you're making it more accessible for everyone. That’s something that people need to recognise.

You were previously a co-production officer at Autism@Manchester. What did this involve?

I worked on developing an autism research toolkit and produced the Autism@Manchester magazine. It’s a biannual magazine featuring interviews with researchers, research abstracts, new research publications and advertisements for participant recruitment. I also made accessible lay research summary illustrations for their social media.

The highlight was working with Dr Emma Gowen and her team. It was a wonderful experience working with people who care so much about how they could make research more accessible and better for autistic people. I felt like my opinion as a lay autistic person was genuinely valued.

Why is it important for autistic people to get involved in research?

Every autistic person has a unique story to tell. Shaping or participating in research is one of the avenues to get your story heard and inform future practices that will support others. It's particularly important for autistic people of colour, female autistic people, trans and non-binary autistic people, and autistic people with complex needs to get involved with research because, historically, autism research didn't represent these groups as well. By the same token, this means that researchers have to truly consider how best they can work with these groups.

I’d definitely recommend more autistic people to participate in research. You’ll learn a little about yourself, and current research and help others like you.

What's your vision for 2030 for autistic people?

I fully support the six Goals that Autistica has set out for 2030. I want to see autistic people supported from day one, especially if they're diagnosed as adults. Because after you're diagnosed, sometimes it can feel a little bit like – “Now what?”. I would love to see more put in place so you immediately feel you can access support. Even if you're not clinically diagnosed, I want to see more resources to help people.

Also, I would love to see more autistic people employed, supported and understood in their roles. Not just for autistic people to be employed as a number and that's that. I want to see that they're thriving and enjoying themselves as well. I genuinely hope to see that.