Misinformation about autism is still far too common, and the impact can be harmful for autistic people and their families. Here, Bea Widdup, Trainee PR and Social Media Executive at Satsuma, shares her personal experiences of autism and explains why she believes public relations is such a powerful tool for autism charities.
When I was younger, I often felt like I was speaking a different language to everyone else.
I could be in a room full of people and still feel out of step, unsure of how to join in or explain myself.
I had the words and feelings to explain myself, but trying to navigate when I could talk in a conversation was like trying to merge into traffic without knowing the rules of the road.
I was always hesitating, waiting for the right moment and sometimes even missing it altogether. I was commonly told that I was interrupting people or talking too loudly when I just wanted to be a part of the group.
Now, I know more about autism – and about myself – and I can see that so much of that misunderstanding came from a lack of awareness. That’s why I want to help change the conversation and negative stigma around autism.
I was diagnosed with autism quite late, but that doesn’t mean that autism hasn’t always been part of my life. I’ve seen first-hand the difference that support and understanding can make.
Autism charities play such an important role in this. They provide practical help for families, create safe spaces for autistic people, and campaign for greater acceptance in schools, workplaces and communities.
I’m constantly inspired by the work of charities that not only provide services but also amplify autistic voices. A good example is the National Autistic Society. Recently they posted a response to Donald Trump saying that having painkillers and vaccines while pregnant can cause autism in the baby.
Mel Merritt, Head of Policy at the National Autistic Society, stated that Trump’s words were dangerous, anti-science and irresponsible. Here at Satsuma, we completely agree. Trump’s words have no science, logic or data behind them, and will deter pregnant women from taking painkillers, having vaccines and overall staying healthy, which may in turn put the baby at risk when there is no need to do so.
Autism charities fight for inclusion, correct information and they show the world that autism is not about “deficits” but about differences that should be respected. Looking back, I know how valuable it would have been to have more of that support growing up – someone to tell me that I wasn’t broken, just different – and that there were others out there who felt the same.
Public relations isn’t just about press releases and media coverage. At its best, PR is about storytelling – finding the voices that need to be heard and helping them reach the right people. It’s about challenging stereotypes, correcting misconceptions and building understanding.
For autism charities, PR can make the difference between being a lifeline that few know about, and becoming a movement that changes lives on a larger scale. The right story in the right place can shift public attitudes, influence policy, or simply make one person feel seen.
That’s why I want to be part of it. I want to use my skills – and my lived experience – to make sure autistic people are represented fairly, truthfully and powerfully.
What excites me about PR is the way it brings together creativity and communication.
It’s about shaping narratives, finding new ways to connect with people, and making complex ideas accessible and engaging. I’ve always loved words and stories, and PR feels like a natural way to channel that passion into something that makes a real difference.
I also know that my perspective as someone with lived experience gives me an edge.
I notice details that others might overlook, because I’ve had to spend my whole life carefully observing the world around me in order to navigate it.
I bring empathy to the stories I tell, because I know how powerful it can be when someone feels truly understood. And I carry an awareness of how damaging stereotypes can be, because I’ve experienced them myself.
For me, PR isn’t just about publicity – it’s about building trust, breaking down barriers, and showing people the bigger picture.
It’s about creating space for voices that aren’t always heard and giving people the tools to share their experiences with confidence. That’s why I’m so drawn to using PR to support autism charities. It’s a chance to combine my skills with my personal motivation, and to help bring about the kind of understanding and acceptance I would have valued so much when I was younger.
My hope is to build a career where I can help autism charities reach more people, spark meaningful change, and ensure that autistic voices are given the platform they deserve.
I believe that stories have the power to open minds, shift perspectives and create real impact – whether that’s influencing how a teacher supports a student, how an employer views neurodiversity in the workplace, or how a parent understands their child.
Through PR, I want to be part of that ripple effect. I want to help charities share their successes, highlight the challenges that still need attention, and celebrate the individuality and strengths of autistic people.
By amplifying these voices, I hope to not only raise awareness but also encourage acceptance, empathy and action within wider society.
Looking ahead, I see PR as more than just a career path – it’s a way of contributing to a future where autistic people are seen, heard and valued for who they are.
If even one story I tell makes life a little easier for someone who feels like they don’t quite fit in, then I’ll know I’ve done something worthwhile.
And if those stories go on to inspire broader change – helping schools, workplaces, and communities to become more inclusive – then that’s the kind of legacy I would be proud to build.
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