As part of the ACTIVATE Project, we’re inviting autistic people to share their experiences; challenges, joys, all our different perspectives matter! Your story can genuinely change how the world understands autism. We are inviting autistic people of all ages to share their experiences in their own words, voices, and creative expressions.
Sharing stories help to:
• amplify authentic autistic voices,
• increase the visibility of diverse lived experiences,
• challenge persistent stereotypes, and
• strengthen advocacy led by autistic people.
Bárbara shares her journey of understanding how she experiences and processes the world, and how recognising herself as autistic helped her make sense of her needs, identity, and way of communicating. Read more about Bárbara’s story here.
Lúcia shares how recognising sensory overload and using noise-cancelling headphones transformed everyday experiences, helping them better understand and respond to their sensory needs. Read more about Lúcia’s story here.
Madalena Rocha shares her journey from autistic burnout and years of misdiagnosis to receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis at 52, reflecting on what it meant to finally understand her experiences and feel truly seen. Read more about Madalena’s story here, available in the original Portuguese.
Anonymous shares how embracing quieter activities and special interests, including Pokémon, helped them enjoy leisure on their own terms and feel more confident, relaxed, and comfortable being themselves. Read more about this story here.
Sara Medeiros shares her experience of frequently feeling misunderstood, navigating difficulties with non-verbal communication, and recognising that these challenges reflect differences in communication rather than a personal failing. Read more about Sara’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
S.F. shares a metaphorical account of sensory overload and masking, exploring the physical and emotional cost of appearing composed while experiencing overwhelming distress. Read “The Beast’s Hand” here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Sara Ferreira shares how understanding her autism helped her make sense of her emotions, strengthen her relationships, and move from feeling alienated to feeling more fully herself. Read more about Sara’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Andreia reflects on both internalised and societal ableism, and on recognising that many of the difficulties autistic people face come from barriers, prejudice, and expectations rather than from being autistic. Read more about Andreia’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Anonymous shares a journey through autistic burnout, recovery through art and caring for plants, and the role that meeting another openly autistic person played in understanding and accepting their own autistic identity. Read more about this story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Sonia Saraiva shares how a moment of professional recognition helped heal decades of invalidation and gave her a new sense of belonging in her own country. Read more about Sonia’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Andreia Morgado shares how connecting openly with other autistic people and experiencing spaces free from imposed expectations brings autistic joy, reduces the need to mask, and creates a sense of freedom and belonging. Read more about Andreia’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Lunar Heartbeat shares a collection of artworks exploring masking, chronic pain, identity, and the experience of navigating life as an autistic person. Explore Lunar Heartbeat’s artwork here.
André shares his story through a documentary, offering a personal perspective on lived experiences. Watch the documentary here.
Cee shares a mixed-media artwork reflecting on queer, disabled, non-binary and autistic identity. Explore Cee’s artwork here.
Tokyo Attard shares how being diagnosed as a child but left without understanding or support shaped years of isolation, masking, and school struggles, before learning to understand their autism, unlearn shame, build real friendships, and support other young autistic people in advocating for their needs. Read more about Tokyo’s story here.
Simon Peter Grech shares the growth mindset he adopted throughout his journey towards employment; showing that committing to a goal and adapting when setbacks occur can lead to success. Find out Simon’s words of advice here.
Andrej shares how the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged his lifelong need for predictability and changed the way he understood the world. Read more about Andrej’s story here.
Veronika shares a journey from burnout and loss of functioning toward recognising limits, setting boundaries, and rebuilding daily life. Read more about Veronika’s story here
Dominika shares how connecting with autistic community helped her move from masking and confusion to recognising her needs and feeling less alone. Read more about Dominika’s story here
Nigel shares his experiences navigating work and everyday life, while finding enjoyment in cooking, gaming, and spending time with friends. Read more about Nigel’s story here
Hans Bruintjes shares his journey from early diagnosis and barriers in education to becoming a lawyer and advocate, focusing on discrimination, policy change, and improving inclusion for neurodivergent people. Read more about Hans’ story here
Blaine Schembri shares his journey of understanding his autism later in life, navigating masking and self-discovery, and using his experiences to support others through advocacy and education. Read more about Blaine’s story here
Emily Slater shares her journey from diagnosis and feeling different to embracing her autistic identity, highlighting the importance of representation, self-acceptance, and finding joy in her interests. Read more about Emily’s story here
Jacob Callus shares his perspective on autistic advocacy, emphasising the importance of representation and ensuring autistic voices are heard in policy, law, and society. Read more about Jacob’s story here
Julia shares how small workplace adjustments, like quieter spaces and clearer information, reduced overwhelm and supported her confidence and participation. Read more about Julia’s story here
Lyric shared her story through video, offering a personal perspective on lived experiences. Watch the video here
Megan Thorne shares an artwork reflecting overwhelm, confusion, and the journey toward self-acceptance and connection, highlighting the role of community. Explore Megan’s artwork here
João Ferreira shares his journey from confusion, sensory overwhelm, and trauma to self-understanding in adulthood, highlighting the role of diagnosis, community, and unmasking. Read more about João’s story here, where you can read it in English or in the original Portuguese.
Susana Novais Santos shares her journey as an autistic neuroscientist and advocate, reflecting on community, belonging, and collective identity through a personal poetic expression. Read more about Susana’s story here, available in both English and the original Portuguese.
Anonymous shares their experience of sensory overload, the impact of masking their needs, and learning to set boundaries, find community, and embrace their way of experiencing the world. Read more about this story here
MT shares how simple workplace adjustments, like sensory-friendly lighting and space to regulate, supported her confidence and professional growth. Read more about MT’s story here
Kristian shares the challenges of being perceived as “too normal,” navigating misunderstanding and building confidence in self-advocacy through understanding his rights and connecting with others. Read more about Kristian’s story here
Catarina shares the challenges of juggling the desire for social connection, social discomfort and perceptions of autistic people. Read and listen to Catarina’s story here
Eva shares her journey in recognising her autism, moving from trauma and misunderstanding to pursuing her passion.Read more about Eva’s story here
Who Can Participate?
Autistic people of any age who wish to share their personal experiences, reflections, or creative expressions.
How to Participate
Choose the format that feels right for you:
• Text (200–500 words)
• Artwork or infographics
• Short video (1–3 minutes)
• Audio recording
Privacy & Comfort
Share only what feels safe for you – your privacy and comfort come first.
You may submit your story anonymously if you prefer, and you decide how much or how little to share.
Where to Send Your Story
Please send your submission to the contact for your country:
• Czechia – activate@eucap.eu
• Malta – activate@gov.mt
• Portugal – projetos@vozdoautista.pt
• Belgium – gertjan.vanaken@kuleuven.be
Residents from other EU countries can send their stories to activate@eucap.eu
Why Your Story Matters
Every story enriches our collective understanding of autism. Together, we shape a more inclusive future, led by autistic voices!