Release date: 29 October 2026
Autistic children and young people from across West Sussex have joined forces with their allies to create a series of powerful short films, sharing honest and personal insights into how adults can better understand their experiences and provide meaningful support.
The films were screened during the recent Autistic and Wonderfully Wired conference which welcomed a line-up of neurodivergent guest speakers and hosted workshops all aimed at providing a platform for autistic children, young people, their families and school staff to share what is important to them.
WATCH: Highlights video from the Autism and Wonderfully Wired conference 2026
The conference was organised by West Sussex County Council’s Autism in Schools Project, which is funded by the NHS Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Board. One of the project’s key objectives is to communicate positive messages about autism in schools and to ensure that the autistic perspective is heard, understood and acted upon in schools throughout the county.
Councillor Sam Raby, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “One of the things I am most passionate about is ensuring that autistic children and young people have a genuine platform to share their experiences, perspectives and ideas.
“Events like Autistic and Wonderfully Wired help by putting autistic voices at the centre of the conversation.
“By sharing their lived experience and knowledge, the attendees will help shape services that recognise strengths, remove barriers and enable autistic children and young people to thrive.”
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer, NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB, said: “Events like Autistic and Wonderfully Wired are a great opportunity to celebrate the strengths and talents of autistic children and young people, hear directly from them about their experiences and help us better understand how we can work together to support their wellbeing and inclusion, and design services that better meet their needs.”
Nearly 200 parent carers and professionals from across West Sussex attended the event, which was held at Hickstead earlier this month.
Speakers in attendance who shared their stories of embracing their autistic strengths included paralympic and world champion swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate, Julia Simner, Professor of Neuropsychology from the University of Sussex and Cam Parfitt from South East Coast Ambulance Service.
