Hi, I’m Isla (She/They) and I’m an 18 year old AuDHDer.

Last year, I joined AGN’s Youth Advisory Board and I am now taking over the role of its support assistant. At the age of 15, I dropped out of school due to having struggled for a very long time in an environment that wasn’t supportive of my neurodivergence. After leaving school and not receiving any support, I threw myself into voluntary work and it was revolutionary for me. Volunteering makes you more confident and gives you a community and a purpose. I always think of it as education that gives you real life experience whilst also having a positive impact on the world.

This week, I have been working on a project to help connect AGN’s in-person support groups for young autistic people aged 13-18. I am creating a newsletter that will give groups the chance to share what they have been getting up to. In my experience, autistic young people can often feel very isolated and I hope that they will be empowered by being able to see that they are part of such a large and vibrant community. Additionally, I am keen to ensure that this newsletter is also a hub for youth voice. Marginalised young people rarely get their voices heard, and it is crucial that we change this. My aim is for this project to be continually shaped by young people.

I have been blown away by how simultaneously supportive and flexible AGN has been in facilitating my ideas. I have felt listened to, respected, and valued, and these feelings are all critical in having a positive volunteering experience. It also makes the work I do better, because I feel empowered and trusted. Volunteering for a neuro-affirming organisation has been such a beautiful experience. I feel that my struggles are recognised and accommodated without a fight, and my strengths are celebrated. I don’t feel pressure to fit myself into a neurotypical mould, and this allows me to flourish.

So many charities rely on volunteers, and in the current cost-of-living crisis, volunteering is a great way of supporting those organisations that really matter to you. As a physically disabled, neurodivergent young adult carer with experience of mental illness, I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable young people. In September, I am going to start a sociology degree after a very wonky educational journey, and I hope to work in social policy in the future. I was therefore very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of AGN’s mission to support, empower, and advocate for autistic women, girls, non-binary people, and their loved ones because it gives me valuable experience whilst amplifying the work I do through being part of the platform and reach provided by AGN.

There are so many ways that you can get involved in volunteering and use your unique skills to create positive change. It has changed my life and I know it can do the same for you.

If you are interested in Isla’s work, you can follow her on Instagram @understanding.difference