These photos are part of a long-term project called Autism Stories, which focuses on the lives of persons with autism.
The project aims to uncover the life stories and the invisible struggles and joys of people with autism and of those who care for them. I want these stories to be seen and to resonate with a larger public who is not often exposed to the reality of autism. I want to explore the relationships between the persons with autism, those supporting them, and society at large.
What does their autism mean in terms of daily tasks, parenting, autonomy, relationships, or work? What are the coping mechanisms they develop? How is the interaction between people with autism and their non-autistic peers? How do parents of autistic kids organize their life, build support systems for their children, and manage psychologically?
Although autism has received increasing attention lately, most people still know little about what it means to live with autism. Stereotypes and false information concerning autism still abound. The lives of those living with autism and their families remain largely invisible.
This project aims to take a small step towards a better understanding of what it means to live with autism in a neurotypical world. My hope is that projects like this will make it a bit easier for people on the spectrum, and in general for people with special needs, to live fulfilling lives.
