I hope to achieve two specific things when creating this idea. I want to really unite the autistic community, bringing us together and supporting each other. I also want to give the community a voice unified in calling for change but individual opinions expressed.
I have said that I have worked constantly on this for just over a year. However, most of what I have done hasn’t yet been revealed. I designed this as a community project in every way, it wasn’t made to be my project, but ours. I want as many people to get involved in this as want to be. I have already made it big enough so that it reaches more people... but together we could have worldwide reach. We could help build a support system so none of us feel alone. I will list the current projects I’m working on below and their status. I will also highlight areas where I really could do with assistance.
The campaign
I need to find a way to create a website which will be used to collect a list of 10 ideas (per person) we would like to put in place to better support the community. Hashtags will be used so we can separate autistic and non autistic voices. The reason is simply that supporting those that care for autistic people is really important too. We need both views, perspectives from both communities. For more details on the campaign please read the post pinned to the top of my page.
I would like to create some kind of support network, although the how eludes me at this point in time.
To be able to reach the community I would like a team of social media ambassadors, sharing posts, helping answer questions and interacting with the community online; spreading the message and becoming leaders of smaller groups. I didn’t do this to become the face of it or anything like that, I just want to start the conversations and encourage others to join me, working together towards the future we wish we could have.
Current Projects
I have several projects I have been working on but haven’t said anything because I was waiting on confirmation. So, I can’t say for certain if they will all work out but I am doing all I can.
Art – There are currently 2 different art projects I am involved in. A mural based on the artwork from Kaleidoscope (an autism friendly traditional picture book) locally. The second project is a global art project, open to artists all over the world. Art is being created around the hashtag New Life Autistic. Images of the art will be put in a cloud account and can be downloaded by individuals. I wanted to show that there are many people who want to see us get the right support and understanding. The images can be used on social media or personal devices. I spent most of my life feeling alone but I don’t want the anyone in the community to feel like that.
Media – I currently have 4 media projects I have been working on. I have approached a global entertainment company about sharing the campaign. Reached out to a children’s publication about the possibility of including an autistic character. This would be a permanent addition; I must admit I would love for this to happen. There are also 2 separate music projects, the first is a community music video. This is being headed up by local musicians and will target social media. The other is hopefully a charity single donating to peer led autism groups. I am doing all I can to make this a reality, have music that directly speaks to us. It is a long shot; I really don’t know if I can reach those I need to do this. However, I will say I’m doing everything I can, it’s just not an easy one to organise.
On top of that I’m trying to put of 4 posts a week on social media. Be a husband and father, author, manage chronic pain etc. I have done all this for us and will continue to do so. There are some days it can feel very overwhelming but that is just because so far, I’ve taken all this on me, personally. This is my legacy if anything, my way to ensure things are better for autistic people going forward. So please if you want to be involved get in touch. This is definitely the most important thing I’ve ever done. I can’t walk away, ever, so if you want to help, let’s create a brighter future together.
If you are interested in helping with this project, please email me with your area of interest at mylifeautistic@gmail.com
People in the autistic and non autistic communities, that wish to support us, are welcome.
Please feel free to share any of my posts and please like or follow to be notified of future posts.
All the best
Ross
Words – Ross A Fraser
Imagery – Ross A Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
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