Autistic Not Weird

Autistic Not Weird: Chris Bonello Shares His Autism Story

Autistic Not Weird is more than just a title — it’s a powerful statement from award-winning writer and speaker Chris Bonello, who shares his lived experience of growing up undiagnosed and discovering he was autistic at the age of 25.

In this short video, Bonello reflects on the years before his diagnosis and the relief of finally having language to explain his difference. He challenges assumptions about intellectual ability, neurodivergence and trust — encouraging us to unlearn ingrained biases about autistic people.

About Chris Bonello

Chris Bonello is an autistic advocate, novelist, and special needs tutor. He launched Autistic Not Weird in 2015 to offer insight into autism from both personal and professional perspectives. His work reaches thousands globally through his talks, books and online community.

Key Messages in the Video

• The journey from self-recognition to formal diagnosis
• Misunderstanding and dismissal by well-meaning people
• How diagnosis brought relief, not restriction
• Challenging ableism: why neurodivergent voices matter
• Trust, knowledge and the myth of ‘knowing better’

Why Videos Like This Matter

This video is part of ted Learning’s broader mission to spotlight lived experience and create inclusive, human-first workplaces. Understanding autism isn’t just about definitions — it’s about listening to autistic people, in their own words.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a team leader or simply someone who wants to learn, Bonello’s insights offer a starting point for empathy, better communication, and dismantling outdated assumptions.