Autism and the Creative Industries

Often the unique perspective that a diagnosis of autism brings can be intrinsically linked to creativity. However, being autistic and having a career in a creative industry is not something that is commonly talked about. This episode looks to explore why being autistic can lend itself so well to a creative profession, as well as advice from others who have successfully secured creative roles.

Our Guests in This Episode:

Anne Hegerty - English quizzer and television personality. Since 2010, she has been a "Chaser" on the ITV game show The Chase. Anne was diagnosed as autistic as an adult in 2005 after watching a show about autistic children and recognising their behaviours in herself.

Dr Willard Wigan MBE - dyslexic micro sculptor and inspirational speaker who wasn’t diagnosed as autistic until his early 50s. Despite having a very negative experience of the school system, Willard’s work is now owned by household names such as Simon Cowell and Cameron Diaz.

Gemma Harvey - freelance actor, writer and independent film & theatre maker.

Jules Robertson - actor and son of best-selling author and outspoken comic writer, Kathy Lette. Jules has starred in roles across stage and screen and is best known for playing autistic character, Jason Haynes, in the BBC medical drama, Holby City . Jules was diagnosed as autistic at around the age of 3.