OUR PROJECT
Preserving Autism Heritage, Celebrating Community
Discover our Autism Heritage project, bringing families and communities together to preserve lived experiences, celebrate cultural identity and create greater understanding of autism.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
A project built around stories,
culture and connection
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our Autism Heritage project was created to preserve the lived experiences, oral traditions and cultural narratives of autistic young people and their families from Manchester’s diverse communities.
The project brings together families from African, Caribbean, South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds, creating opportunities to share experiences, explore cultural traditions and challenge misconceptions surrounding autism.
August 2023 – March 2025
A community-led heritage project
Oral Histories
Families share and record their lived experiences, creating a lasting record of their journeys and perspectives.
Traditional Games
Traditional games such as Oware and Chihwande-hwande bring children and families together through play, connection and cultural discovery.
Music & Storytelling
Workshops and learning circles provide safe spaces for families to learn, share experiences and build relationships across generations.
Community Workshops
Workshops and learning circles provide safe spaces for families to learn, share experiences and build relationships across generations.
WHY IT MATTERS
Breaking the silence around autism
For some minority ethnic families, cultural stigma, misunderstanding and language barriers can make conversations about autism difficult.
Our project creates safe spaces where families can speak openly about their experiences, challenge misconceptions and discover that they are not alone.
Challenge Stigma
Creating conversations that replace misunderstanding with knowledge and acceptance.
Celebrate Heritage
Using songs, games, language and traditions to celebrate cultural identity.
Build Connection
Bringing families and generations together through shared experiences.
Families
Parents and carers shared their experiences, memories and hopes, helping create a record of autism heritage rooted in lived experience.
Young People
Autistic children and young people took part in games, storytelling, creative activities and filmmaking, creating opportunities to express themselves and celebrate their identities.
Volunteers
Our culturally diverse volunteers helped with oral history, digital archiving, community engagement and project activities while developing valuable new skills.
WHAT WE CREATED
Turning stories into a lasting heritage
We turned lived experiences into stories that can be seen, heard and remembered. Through films, exhibitions, community conversations and shared experiences, the Autism Heritage project is creating a lasting record of autistic lives, family journeys and cultural heritage.
Oral Histories
27 family oral histories recorded, capturing personal experiences of autism, culture, identity and community.
Documentary Films
Personal stories brought to life through documentary films and mini-films, giving families and young people a platform to share their voices.
Community Exhibitions
10 exhibitions across Manchester created opportunities for communities to discover and celebrate autism heritage.
Educational Resources
Booklets, infographics and school outreach materials have helped introduce students and wider audiences to the stories and experiences behind the project.
KEEP THE STORY GOING
Every story has the power make a difference.
The stories collected through the project were created to be shared. Through exhibitions, schools, community activities and digital platforms, we have taken these experiences into spaces where they can inspire conversation and understanding.
@ 2026 Dimobi Children Disability Trust. All Right Reserved.