In honour of World Autism Acceptance Month (April), we've launched a campaign that uses humour to tackle outdated autism stereotypes head-on.
Despite growing awareness , outdated assumptions and myths still shape how society sees autistic people. That’s why this campaign doesn’t just raise awareness - it playfully challenges the status quo. It’s a category-breaking push to get people laughing and, most importantly, seeing autistic people as individuals, not stereotypes.
Many non-autistic people assume they understand autism, but too often, autistic individuals are seen through a lens of oversimplified stereotypes. This campaign flips the script by addressing common misconceptions with a fresh and thought-provoking perspective.
By shifting the conversation from awareness to true acceptance, we are fostering a society where autistic people are better understood and supported.
"Social scripts are often pointless and boring. Why do we subject ourselves to them? If the world was designed to be more accommodating for autistic people, I truly believe it would be a better place for everyone,”
Sindha Agha, Director, The Corner Shop
See us as individuals, not stereotypes was created in conjunction with creative agency House 337, who truly believe in the power of storytelling to shift perspectives.
The film was directed by BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sindha Agha, through the production company The Corner Shop.
Agha is very familiar with autism - her mother was an autism researcher - this knowledge on the subject influenced her creative vision, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
"It was an absolute delight to direct a project that subverts stereotypes about autistic people. Autism, especially as it presents in women, trans people, and people of colour, is very misunderstood.
"One of my favourite qualities that autistic individuals often possess is an ability to identify and express social truths that non-autistic people may also be subconsciously experiencing. Social scripts are often pointless and boring. Why do we subject ourselves to them? If the world was designed to be more accommodating for autistic people, I truly believe it would be a better place for everyone,” says Sindha Agha.
"Our project was created by autistic creatives and their non-autistic collaborators who listened with open, curious minds. I’m really proud of
the result."