Stereotypes matter because they stop people from achieving their full potential. To help smash stereotypes, which cause real world harm, the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity Autistica is launching a new campaign.

The campaign, which launches in honour of World Autism Acceptance Month, uses humour to smash stereotypes and spark attitude change.

Autistica’s mission is to help autistic people live happier, healthier, longer lives. But despite growing awareness, outdated assumptions and myths still shape how society sees autistic people.

The campaign has been designed to move beyond passive awareness raising. Instead, it pokes, prods, and playfully challenges the status quo. Leaning on the power of humour, its aim is to ensure viewers recognise autistic people as individuals instead of stereotypes.

Many non-autistic people assume they understand autism, but too often, autistic individuals are seen through a lens of oversimplified stereotypes. This campaign flips the script by addressing common misconceptions head-on.

Analiese Jackson, Director of External Affairs at Autistica, explained: “Too many autistic people are misunderstood because of outdated stereotypes. This campaign challenges those misconceptions head-on and helps the public see autistic people as individuals with unique perspectives and strengths. We are proud to work with House 337 to drive this essential change in attitudes.”

The campaign has been developed with lived experience at its heart, in collaboration with autistic individuals. Directed by BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Sindha Agha through the production company The Corner Shop, the campaign aims to shatter stereotypes.

Sindha Agha, Director at The Corner Shop, said: "It was an absolute delight to direct a project that subverts stereotypes about autistic people. Autism, especially as it presents in women, trans people, and people of colour, is very misunderstood. One of my favourite qualities that autistic individuals often possess is an ability to identify and express social truths that non-autistic people may also be subconsciously experiencing. Social scripts are often pointless and boring. Why do we subject ourselves to them? If the world was designed to be more accommodating for autistic people, I truly believe it would be a better place for everyone.”

She continued: “Our main character, Jess, is an unmasked autistic woman of colour. Her subjectivity informed every creative decision, from cinematography to sound design, aiming to reflect the sensory experience of autism. Our project was created by autistic creatives and their non-autistic collaborators who listened with open, curious minds. I’m really proud of the result."

Josh Green, Chief Creative Officer at House 337, added: “As we kick off World Autism Acceptance Month, we’re inviting everyone to challenge their assumptions, embrace neurodiversity, and help create a more inclusive world.”

He continued: "At House 337, we truly believe in the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. This campaign is about breaking down stereotypes and reminding people that autistic individuals are just that - individuals. If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person. That’s why we’ve flipped the script, asking audiences to take a hard look at themselves, rather than defaulting to lazy stereotypes about how they think neurodiverse people behave. Partnering with Autistica and the autistic community has been incredibly inspiring, and we hope this work sparks meaningful conversations about autism acceptance.”

The campaign runs from the 7th April across Out of Home on Ocean Outdoor and MediaCo sites and social.