One of the most important factors in making sure our images are accurate and relevant is our close working relationship with our Expert Advisers. This week I asked Grace Wilks to write about her experience of being involved in planning and reviewing our image set around autism and neurodiversity.

Grace is an experienced Easy Read creator, and draws on her experience as an autistic adult who has used Easy Read at times during her own support journey. We meet weekly to discuss image ideas.

Grace writes: “Pictures to explain Autism have long been at the top of my Photosymbols Wishlist. So, when I became an Expert Adviser earlier this year, one of the first sets of images I had the privilege of working on was the recent set of Autism and Neurodiversity images.

These fifty (and counting!) thoughtfully designed images stand for what Autism is like for many autistic people. They mark an important step forward in helping everyone, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, understand the very real, and often overwhelming, emotions and experiences autistic individuals face every day 

What it Means to Me to Have Easy Read Images of Autism and Neurodiversity 

For me, seeing a Special Interests image, with calming colourful rings including my second favourite colour of all time (orange!) included in an Easy Read About You form feels like a definite statement.

It tells readers that the organisation using it understands how integral special interests are to the lives of many autistic people, and it means readers will find it easier to recognise what the question is asking. These pictures turn thoughts and words into something visual and relatable, expanding understanding and acceptance.

Using my Own Experiences to Shape the Images 

Drawing from my own lived experience as a person with Autism, I found a special connection to images like Preparing Conversation, Too Loud, and Masking, all of which reflect challenges I encounter regularly. One memorable moment was when Holly asked if I used a fidget toy, and as I looked down at the scrunchie in my hands, the idea for the Scrunchie Stimming image was born!

I also raised the idea of creating images representing Dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers) and Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing), which are often overlooked compared to Dyslexia. We modelled their images on the existing Dyslexia design for consistency but gave each its own twist to represent their uniqueness. 

Knowledge is power 

Thanks to Kat, Photosymbols’ Symbol Designer & Resident Artist, and a meticulous, collaborative process that welcomed feedback at every stage, these images help normalise autistic experiences and bring a better understanding into everyday life.

You can take a look at the new Autism and Neurodiversity images by searching in the Photosymbols library.”