What Is the Yellow Ladybugs?
Meet Emily!
She is 16 and loves ducks, the girl group ‘TWICE’, and learning new things. She doesn't like change, being late or cleaning her room.
Emily has autism and grew up attending events by Yellow Ladybugs, a non-profit organisation that connects autistic girls and aims to create a community that understands and celebrates neurodiversity.
I have supported individuals with autism for many years and was keen to chat to Emily to ask her about her experience with Yellow Ladybugs…
A Yellow Ladybugs event with well-known autism advocate and author, Chloe Hayden (photo from YL Facebook page)
What is Yellow Ladybugs?
“It is a non-for-profit organisation that helps autistic girls and women get more recognition and support. They have some great resources including books! They do a lot of advocacy work too and submit data to bigger organisations. They also host an annual conference.”
How long have you been part of Yellow Ladybugs?
“Since their first event at the NGV! I was 6 years old.”
Emily, aged 8, at a Yellow Ladybugs cooking event- photo by moi!
How has attending their events and being part of the community helped you?
“It’s helped me understand more about who I am as an autistic girl. It makes me feel like I’m a valuable part of the community. It’s also had me exploring different places.
All the events are supportive for neurodivergent people. They make sure there are small crowds, they dim the lights and the music to reduce sensory overload and create a break out space.”
What do you like about their events?
“The events are usually on weekends or at times that everyone can attend. The staff are so caring and we have so much fun! I remember my mum said that the events have helped her make friends.”
Emily let me know that the Yellow Ladybugs are focusing less on events now but continue strong on their advocacy work for autistic girls and women.
Thank you Emily for chatting with me and allowing me to take your photo with your YL merch!
Please check out the Yellow Ladybugs website- they aim to teach, connect and empower. There are plenty of great resources available to support those with autism or to help others understand!