We are delighted to announce that the National Autistic Society’s new online archive, In our Words is officially published. It is the culmination of a two-year project to gather, curate, and archive the rich history of our charity, and to reflect the changing attitudes and public perspectives of autism over the last 60 years.

In our Words was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to build an archive of information cataloguing more than 1,000 items. 

Supporters can access a compelling four-part film and a four-part podcast series, as well as interactive timelines and resources that examine specific areas impacting autistic people and their families, such as campaigning, family support and diagnosis. By gathering personal reflections, we hope to inspire others to reflect on their own experiences.
 

Other highlights include: 

• Original photos, correspondence, and reflective reports on early schools and adult support.
• Oral history interviews from key figures in the charity's history.
• Interviews from the original founders and their family members.

Christine Flintoft-Smith, In our Words project lead, said: “I want to thank all of the people that have supported the project throughout the last two years. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and all National Lottery players for their invaluable contribution. 

"The funding enabled us to assemble a dedicated project team as well as a fantastic and committed group of volunteers, who were able to navigate every stage of this project. We have also worked with a huge range of teams and individuals at the charity who have contributed their personal histories and individual time to ensure this project provides a shared history for all."

Our vision for the project was to encourage a sense of community and shared history for everyone connected to autism.

To ensure the archive was truly representative and driven by autistic perspectives, the project team included people with direct lived experience and long-standing professional links to autism, a steering group, a volunteer pool and a project officer who is also autistic. This inclusive approach ensured that the key moments in our charity’s history were thoughtfully featured.

With additional support from On the Record, an oral history not-for-profit organisation and the London Archives, the project team received training in essential skills such as interview techniques, transcribing, digital editing, and cataloguing.

Rashmi, a volunteer, said: "I have wanted to give back to the Society and contribute in any way I can. My role has been singularly interesting and eye-opening in many ways."

Oscar, a volunteer, said: "The moment that resonated most with me was during the interview with Dr Judith Gould, when she was discussing the 1979 Camberwell Study she did with Dr Lorna Wing. The study was a historic moment that laid the groundwork for the very idea of the autism spectrum."

Georgios, a volunteer, said: "A recurring theme in the interviews has been the change in public perception of autism, with many highlighting the direct impact of the National Autistic Society’s work. As an autistic person involved in this project, I’m grateful to have contributed even a small part in hopefully fostering greater awareness, acceptance, and celebration of autism."

Dawn, a member of the steering group, said: "Without knowing that I am autistic I would still be struggling.  I literally owe my life to the work of the National Autistic Society, historically and in the present, as I am sure do countless others.  This is an evolution to our understanding that needs to be captured for posterity."

As the first autism-specific charity in 1962, we have tirelessly advocated, pioneered, and evolved alongside the growing understanding of autism. To create a foundation from which autistic people, their families, and professionals can learn, we recognise the importance of addressing and archiving perspectives and strategies that may now seem outdated.

It is essential to showcase the significant progress in understanding and support since our charity's inception and our continuous journey of development to this day.
 

Find out more

• Visit the In our Words online archive