There are many ways that journalists and producers can support autistic people to take part in media interviews. Every autistic person has their own strengths, challenges, needs and communication preferences. The most important step is to ask each individual how they can be best supported to take part in media interviews.

We’ve included some key points for journalists and producers below. It’s also important to think about the language used when interviewing autistic people or writing about autism. Read more about how to talk and write about autism.
 

Ask how autistic people would like to be referred to

Most autistic people prefer identity-first language, such as ‘autistic person’, while some prefer person-first language, such as ‘person with autism’. The National Autistic Society uses identity-first language, but when referring to individuals we always prioritise their preference.
 

Ask about communication preferences

Every autistic person has their own communications preferences. Autistic people may not be comfortable with making eye contact or shaking hands, or may prefer to communicate via text message or email rather than a phone call.
 

Ask about reasonable adjustments

This could include providing set questions ahead of an interview and not deviating from these, explaining any recording or technical equipment that may be used, corresponding by email instead of phone calls, or interviewing remotely by a pre-recorded video call instead of a live studio interview.
 

Explain the process
 

Autistic people can experience anxiety and unexpected change can be difficult to process. Explaining how an interview will work ahead of time can provide clarity and reassurance. This could include a briefing chat before an interview, explaining that an interview might last for 15 minutes but only 30 seconds of audio will be included in the final broadcast, setting an expectation for what would happen in the event of an error with technical equipment, and providing maps and photos of a studio and the team involved ahead of time.
 

Take time and care
 

News reporting is often fast-paced and the news agenda can change rapidly. Some autistic people can cope with change and are able to take part in interviews at short notice, while others need time to process information and prepare, so last minute interviews could cause anxiety and may not be a viable option. If you do need to make changes to a planned interview at short notice, explain why, calmly and clearly, and give the person options for what can happen next, as far as you’re able to.
 

Consider the sensory environment
 

Autistic people can experience sensitivity to light, sounds, touch, colours and temperatures. An environment with bright lighting or loud noises, such as studio lighting or feedback from headphones, could cause sensory overwhelm.

 

If you are a journalist or producer working on a media story about autism, or would like to arrange an interview, please contact our Media team for help with your request.