feel of the fix ...

Fixers has worked with many young people with autism who feel the condition needs to be better understood by the general public, as well as professionals who work with young people, such as teachers.

Many feel the media often gives a false and limited picture of what it means to have autism. Seventeen young people living on the autistic spectrum joined forces in London in January 2018 to speak directly to key decision-makers and professionals.

The individuals, who came from across the UK, were given a unique platform to share their experiences and get their voices heard by people who can make a difference. Together they created a set of proposals outlining what they believe can be done to increase our understanding of autism and improve services for autistic young people.

image gallery

Click on the photo to the left to see photos that give a flavour of the day.

autism films

Fixers has worked with many young people with autism. Many have made impressive films to show what it means to live with the condition and to encourage greater understanding. Some of these powerful films were shown at the event. 
 
You can view Fixers Autism films and other campaigns on the subject here.

'question time'

Following morning workshops which discussed autism in five different settings – home, education, work, the health service and the media – the young people took part in a ‘Question Time’ style debate.

A group of five formed an 'expert' panel in front of an invited audience of around 80 leading health, education and social support professionals.

You can view the complete debate here [or by clicking on the image to the left]. It's two hours long, so get some popcorn!

the presenters

ALEX LOWERY

"It was a great event. I got the opportunity to help announce the projects being shown, which was a great experience I’ve never done before. I really liked seeing everyone’s projects and how well they all did."

Alex, 24, is from Holywell in Flintshire. His Fixers campaign in 2014 was about the link between autism and stimming, which is 'self-stimulatory' behaviour, normally involving a series of repetitive movements such as hand flapping, spinning around or rocking back and forth. Alex often 'stims' to help him concentrate.

You can find out more about his Fixers project here. 

AMY WILLERTON

"If everyone had just 10 per cent of an understanding of autism it would completely change the lives of young people on the spectrum."

Model and TV presenter Amy Willerton is well known for her appearances in Channel 4’s 'The Jump', and ITV's 'I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here'. She is also a former Miss Great Britain. She chose to support Fixers because of her personal experience of autism; her younger brother Ross is autistic.

the report

Young Autistic People Speak Out is the outcome of the consultation, workshops and debate.

It gives a personal insight into the struggles that many autistic young people face, and bullet-points their recommendations for improving the lives of others with autism.

They'd be delighted for you to read it by clicking here [or on the image to the left], and help them to bring about change!