I wanted to post this yesterday alongside the official look at the poster and announcement for Autism: The Gift in the Curse. But it was a ‘doing’ day, and I was at an art installation for a project I’ve been working on with younger neurodivergent students, and that had to come first – so this is a day late! It is what it is, and I believe things happen for a reason. Because I didn’t realise it was World Autism Awareness Day (to me, every day is), but it’s worked out right.

Yesterday we shared the first official look at Autism: The Gift in the Curse.

This documentary has been in the making for over three years. Following my journey covering topics like: going through a late diagnosis, my journey through the mental health system, understanding autism, suicidal ideation, Burnout, autistic masking, and just getting through daily life. But also how art became a way to process what I couldn’t explain. How it became a tool to connect, to support others, and to build something meaningful.

People see the achievements. The Autism Hero Award. Multiple Award nominations. Award events. Raising thousands for charity. The gallery in Spinningfields. The prison programmes. Public art displays. Working with SEND children. Becoming an ambassador. Invites to Buckingham Palace. It all reads well, but it doesn’t show the full picture! It doesn’t show the cost, the exhaustion or the impact masking has on your identity and your life. That’s what this documentary doesn’t ignore.

It shows both sides. The gift – the creativity, the way of seeing things differently, the strength it takes to mask and fight, the ability to build something from nothing. And the curse – the autistic mind has its problems, but the struggles that society brings, the mental health issues caused from constant masking, and what comes from having to survive in systems that don’t understand you and don’t try to.

Putting this out is not easy. It’s exposing and personal. We are talking about a topic that still carries so much stigma and a lack of understanding. But this was never about comfort; it’s about honesty, because without honesty, nothing changes.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing trailers and interviews, opening up conversations around autism and the topics this documentary covers – so keep your eyes open! 

I want to thank Eklectics for committing to telling this story properly, as I know it’s not been an easy task. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. Whether you’ve followed my work, been part of a project, or simply shared or liked something I’ve put out – it all matters.

The documentary is only the start – with bigger plans to come from it. I’ll continue to support people like myself and push for real change through my projects. Because society as it stands needs to change, and it needs to start with how neurodivergence is actually understood and valued.

If I’ve ever helped or supported you on this journey, please like, share, and comment on this. This documentary shows some raw truths which need confronting if we ever want anything to change.