Please tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to autism

I am dedicated to contributing to the autism community. I have significant teaching and counselling experience with SEND students at secondary and post-secondary level, including autistic students and those with ADHD, sensory differences and mental health challenges. As well as volunteering at the National Autistic Society, I’m also volunteering in a mainstream primary school and a special school.

Working as a teacher in Hong Kong secondary schools since 2006, I’ve been able to learn from different autistic students. Outside of the classroom, I’ve been offering voluntary counselling to autistic university students since 2019. Also, one of my family members is autistic, which has inspired me to support autistic people at different transition points.

Why did you choose to volunteer for the Heritage project?

Working as an oral history interview volunteer, my role is to interview autistic people, families and professionals about autism and their involvement with the National Autistic Society. This is helping me to understand more about how the National Autistic Society has contributed to society over the past decades, and the changes in attitudes/ perceptions of autism among the public. This process not only helps me compare the understanding of autism in different cultures, but also enhances my communication and interviewing skills. I know the project will be beneficial to future autism research.

What new skills have you gained?

Volunteering for the National Autistic Society, I feel refreshed and empowered. So far, I have learnt how to tailor an interview protocol to the person you are interviewing and conduct interviews ethically and professionally. Thanks to the training for my role, my personal awareness of autism has been enhanced, including how to support autistic individuals with sensory and communication challenges in different contexts.

What would you say to others thinking of volunteering for our charity?

Volunteer for the National Autistic Society, you will have no regrets! The more you work for the organisation, the more you urge yourself to contribute to the autism community. With genuine support from committed supervisors, you will find volunteering very fulfilling. After all, this is an opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives, while making your life more purposeful.