I’m Georgia, a recent BA Hons Graphic Design graduate from York St. John University. During my final year of studies, I reached out to the Autistic Girls Network to gain experience in working with real clients. As a neurodivergent woman, I felt a strong connection to the AGN’s mission. I wanted to develop my skills further and contribute to it. I was particularly motivated to contribute to something that could positively impact others who may share similar experiences to mine. This project has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to think more deeply about accessibility, communication, and inclusion in a real-world setting and helping me find my passion for advocating for accessibility in creative industries and beyond!
A bit of background: I am a fraternal twin, and my twin brother is also neurodivergent. He was diagnosed in Year 2 after a teacher recognised the signs in school. In contrast, my own traits were not identified during childhood, and it was only through my own research that I was referred and diagnosed a month before my 21st birthday, nearly a whole 16 years later!
As someone who came to understand my own neurodivergence later in life, I have become increasingly aware of how important it is for spaces and resources to feel clear, welcoming, and genuinely accessible. This has shaped the way I think about my designs, not just as something visual, but as something that can either support or exclude people depending on how it is made.
As part of my development for AGN Circles, I focused on developing calm, welcoming visuals that feel familiar to the AGN’s current audience, while also expanding the brand to reach a wider community. I chose to use soft, rounded typography and gentle visual elements to reduce visual harshness and create a more welcoming tone. These decisions were informed by accessibility considerations, particularly for individuals who may experience sensory sensitivity or cognitive overload. In my last year of studies, I have become particularly interested in sensory-friendly and accessible design, including WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), which sets out rules for accessible design, such as how different colour palettes can enhance or reduce readability.
I created a series of illustrations for this project, focusing on inclusion. For example, I created illustrations of a female-presenting individual, considering communication devices such as an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device, as well as incorporating sensory-friendly items such as ear defenders, headphones, and loose, comfortable clothing. I also explored behaviours such as avoiding eye contact, which are often misunderstood but are important to represent with care and normalisation. Small details such as eye contact and baggy clothing play a significant role in helping individuals feel seen and understood through design, particularly in spaces where they may have previously felt excluded or overlooked.
Working with the Autistic Girls Network has been especially meaningful because it has shown me how much care goes into creating resources for young people who may need information presented in a way that feels calm, thoughtful, and easy to engage with. It has also reminded me that good design is not only about how something looks, but how well it works for everyone, showing how thoughtful design can reduce barriers, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging.
One of the highlights of my final year was having my work with AGN nominated for Design for Good at my final-year degree award show, which made the experience even more rewarding. Overall, my time working with the Autistic Girls Network has had a lasting influence on my practice. It has strengthened my commitment to inclusive design and encouraged me to continue creating work that centres empathy, accessibility, and representation. I plan to carry these principles forward into my future projects and professional work.
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