Ella’s Story 

Ella is a 29 year old autistic woman from Belfast.

“I believe all autistic people have their own unique and individual strengths and challenges. I am curious and I love to learn, I am open, compassionate, kind, and a great listener. For me, I would need support with my communication skills and understanding information. I also would struggle with anxiety, avoidance, emotional regulation/understanding emotions and getting out of the house.

Autism NI has been such a great help to me, I rang the helpline when I got my diagnosis, and I was very grateful to attend an “Understanding my Autism Course”. I also had 6 sessions of 1-1 support with an autistic adults support officer and then attended a group autistic adult support course. I have learnt so much and really benefitted from meeting others, hearing their stories, and feeling comfortable to be myself.

Autism acceptance to me means that others listen and learn from autistic people, for myself, it’s been about not trying to fit yourself into something, its about being okay to be different. There’s not just one typical autistic person we’re all very individual people and have different needs.

This World Autism Acceptance Month I am supporting Autism NI’s important message to “Be Kind to Different Minds” as it would mean more willingness to understand and make space for autistic people to be themselves and thrive.”

Autism NI provides vital services for autistic people and their families throughout Northern Ireland, and campaigns for autism understanding and acceptance within society.

 To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit www.autismni.org/autism-acceptance-week