Autism Stories is a documentary photo project that explores the lives of persons with autism.

The project focuses on the life stories of people with autism and of those around them, with all their ups and downs, the joys and the struggles. It explores 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.

It’s not my intention to tell these stories by turning their subjects into heroes or victims. It’s not my intention to impose my own views on what it means to live with autism. I want to give a voice to the participants, whenever possible and in ways that are accessible for them. They can draw or write on my photos and I can include their own stories or comments alongside those written by me.

My contact with the participants has been greatly facilitated by:

GAMP, a Belgian association that fights for better and more inclusive services for persons with handicap with high dependency. Many thanks to Cinzia for the constant support.

Eole, an organisation supporting the socialization and professional/social inclusion for adults with autism spectrum disorder (without associated intellectual disability)

Villa Pilifs, a reception facility dedicated to people with mental disabilities and which has adapted collective housing and a day center for its residents and participants during the day, in the evening and on weekends.