Autistic children and young people from across West Sussex have come together to create a series of short films aimed at helping adults better understand their experiences and provide more meaningful support.
The films, featuring honest and personal accounts, were showcased at the recent Autistic and Wonderfully Wired conference, held at Hickstead earlier this month.
Nearly 200 parents, carers and professionals attended the event, which brought together autistic young people, their families, teachers and specialists to discuss how schools and services can become more understanding and inclusive.
The conference featured workshops and a range of neurodivergent guest speakers, giving autistic children and young people an opportunity to share their perspectives and highlight the changes they would like to see.
Among those sharing their experiences were Paralympic and world champion swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate, University of Sussex Professor of Neuropsychology Julia Simner, and Cam Parfitt from South East Coast Ambulance Service.
The event was organised by West Sussex County Council's Autism in Schools Project, which receives funding from NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board.
The project aims to promote positive attitudes towards autism in schools while ensuring the voices of autistic pupils are heard, respected and reflected in the support they receive.
Councillor Sam Raby, the council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said giving autistic youngsters a genuine platform to share their experiences was particularly important.
"One of the things I am most passionate about is ensuring that autistic children and young people have a genuine platform to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas.
"Events like Autistic and Wonderfully Wired help by putting autistic voices at the centre of the conversation."
Councillor Raby added that the experiences shared at the conference would help shape services that recognise individual strengths, remove barriers and allow young people to thrive.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board, said the event provided an important opportunity to celebrate autistic children's strengths and talents while learning directly from their experiences.
She said listening to young people would help improve their wellbeing, inclusion and the services available to them.
Organisers hope the messages shared through the films and conference will encourage schools across West Sussex to place autistic young people's experiences at the heart of decisions about their education and support.
BREAKING NEWS ACROSS THE SOUTH
Don't miss the stories that matter to you! Get BREAKING NEWS ALERTS sent STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE. Download the FREE V2 RADIO APP today! Seen something? Know something? Got a story we should be covering? BE OUR EYES AND EARS. Email news tips, images and video to news@v2radio.co.uk
HALF PRICE. BIG SAVINGS. DON'T MISS OUT!
STOP PAYING FULL PRICE! Get 50% OFF restaurants, days out, attractions and unforgettable experiences across the SOUTH. GRAB YOUR DEALS NOW at WWW.V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK
The Newsroom with Philip Keeler – Ghosts of the South: A Halloween Special
Wealden councillor switches parties
Sussex Police urge drivers to check their eyesight as road safety campaign launches
Brighton knocked out of EFL Cup after penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City
Review into improving Worthing town centre for shoppers and businesses
Eastbourne residents urged to stay safe as police prepare for Hallowe'en weekend
Radiation emergency zone reduced in Portsmouth
Eastbourne awarded £1 million to tackle derelict buildings following MP's campaign
Prolific burglar jailed for 43 months after being confronted by woman inside her Hove home
Guitars signed by music legends to go on display in Brighton to raise money for NHS music therapy
