Booost Conversations - Alex Heron
Video
At 16, Alex was diagnosed as autistic. Alex was told by her school that she would not be capable of sitting GCSEs and should focus instead on gaining functional skills qualifications. Despite this, and after studying every day with her grandad, Alex sat 14 GCSEs and achieved A grades across the board. She then went on to achieve a first-class degree in Philosophy and a distinction in Visual Communication MA at York St John University.
Alex currently works as a photographer, speaker and educator, aiming to dismantle the media-born stereotypes surrounding what it means to be autistic. Her work has been published by Vogue Italia and Iconic Artist magazine, and her 'Breadth: Spanning the Spectrum' project, which showcases honest portraits and stories of autistic people from all walks of life, has led to her being asked to speak on BBC radio and numerous prestigious events.
During her time at university, Alex received support through the Disabled Students Allowances but did not feel the process went well for her. Her story of this experience gives essential insights to all of us within the DSA sector about the often invisible female autistic experience, and provides invaluable advice about how we can help pave a smoother road for autistic students in the future.
A must-watch for anyone involved in the DSA, we hope you're as enthralled by Alex as we were.
