Rosie King

Rosie King challenges stereotypes of people with autism and contextualizes the issue by asking us, “Why be normal?”

"Some people might call my obsession with facts boring. I call it FOCUS."
- Rosie King

ABOUT ROSIE

When she was nine years old, doctors confirmed Rosie King’s self-diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. With two younger siblings severely affected by autism, Rosie had a burning desire to help make the world a more tolerant place for people with autism ever since she was a young girl. She found the opportunity to do so when her family was invited to do a local news segment on her mother’s children’s books that featured Rosie’s illustrations. Her lack of inhibition made her a natural presenter, and she was asked to host BBC Newsround’s special program “My Autism and Me,” bringing her a much wider audience and an Emmy Kid’s Award. Rosie continues to raise awareness about autism, and is working towards her goal of becoming a professional actress and storyteller.

INTRIGUED? HERE'S MORE...

If you could meet your 10-year-old self, what would you tell her? 
I’d tell her the darkness won’t last forever, and that no matter how big and scary the monsters may seem you’ll find that one little spark of light that keeps you going. I’d tell her to never give up. 

If you were immortal for a day, what would you do? 
Jump out of a moving car, off a cliff, into a shark infested acid bath
with knives just for the hell of it. 

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet? 
Kurt Cobain. 

RECOMMENDED READING

Q&A with Rosie on the TEDMED Blog

The Daily Journal of Arabella Crumblestone, The Unfinished Stories
Sharon King, author, Rosie King, illustrator

Keep up with Rosie and her family on their blog, My Perfectly Imperfect Family.

For all inquiries regarding speaking engagements or to learn more about her current work, please contact Joanna Jones.