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How autism freed me to be myself

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About this talk

Rosie King diagnosed herself with Asperger’s Syndrome at age nine and has become a spokesperson for autism in the UK, including hosting an Emmy award-winning BBC documentary on the subject. In her TEDMED 2014 talk, she challenges stereotypes of people with autism and contextualizes the issue by asking, “Why be normal?”

About Rosie King

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About Rosie

Rosie King is a renowned British writer, public speaker, and fierce advocate for neurodiversity. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age nine, she has dedicated her life to helping the world become more accepting of autistic people, especially because two of her younger siblings are also severely affected by autism. Her career as an activist and storyteller launched when she hosted the Emmy Kids Award-winning BBC documentary, My Autism and Me, which brought her empowering message to a global audience. Following this, she delivered a powerful TED Talk, “How autism freed me to be myself,” where she famously challenged listeners to question the value society places on “normalcy.” Her talk received a standing ovation and has been viewed millions of times. Rosie continues to use her talents in the arts to promote understanding. She is a writer and voice actor for the BAFTA-nominated animated children’s series Pablo, which focuses on a boy with autism. Rosie, along with the rest of the cast, is on the autism spectrum, ensuring the show offers authentic representation. After graduating with first-class honors in Creative Writing, Rosie’s work now centers on professional writing, acting, and advocacy, including as an ambassador for the National Autistic Society. She is driven by a strong desire to celebrate the unique way autistic people see the world and ensure that their differences are seen as assets, not obstacles.

 

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