The Corner Shop's Sindha Agha and Autistica Challenge Autism Stereotypes
April 9, 2025
To mark World Autism Acceptance Month, which takes place in April, leading charity Autistica is using light-hearted humor to dispel stereotypes.
Titled ‘See Us as Individuals, Not Stereotypes,’ the ad pokes, prods, and playfully challenges the status quo.
According to the organization, many non-autistic people assume they understand the disorder, but too often, autistic individuals are seen through a lens of oversimplified stereotypes. Subverting this idea, the campaign tackles common misconceptions head-on.
Rooted in lived experience, it was developed through close collaboration with autistic individuals. According to the agency, numerous lived experience groups played a key role in shaping the messaging, ensuring it accurately reflects the diverse realities of autistic people.
It was directed by Bafta-winning filmmaker Sindha Agha, whose own mother was an autism researcher.“One of my favorite 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,” said Agha.
Read more on The Drum!