GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Through her “Soul of Autism” project, Erica Bacon is sharing stories and bringing awareness to the diversity within the autism community.
Although the project is new, capturing stories through a lens is something Bacon has done for over 20 years. This year, she wanted to do a project that was more meaningful and personal.
“I really want to take their photos and also share their stories and help people understand that autism is very diverse and we don’t look a certain way, we don’t necessarily act a specific way,” Bacan explained.
Bacon says the project is rooted in her own experience after being diagnosed with autism last year. She says that diagnosis brought a mix of emotions.
“I had some grief because I realized that my life would have been a lot different if I had been diagnosed as a child,” sha said. “Also a lot of relief just to get an explanation for why I was the way I was and that I wasn’t necessarily, there wasn’t anything wrong with me, I was just different.”
Now, she’s using her passion for photography to uplift and advocate for others.
“My favorite thing is getting people’s authentic expressions and making them feel comfortable,” she said. “I just love it when their true personality comes out.”
She says the photography sessions often transform into therapy sessions where clients open up about their experiences with autism.
“By the time they’re done with their session, they feel empowered and they feel seen,” she said.
Through this project, Bacon is not only sharing her own story, but also the stories of others in the autism community. She’s had about 30 people sign up so far.
Mycoa Diesch, who uses they/them pronouns, was also diagnosed with autism later in life. For them, being part of the project meant stepping outside of their comfort zone and in front of a lens.
“I have a really hard time taking pictures and feeling natural,” they said while explaining the reason they brought a guitar for their session. “For some reason when I’m behind an instrument or with someone that I care about, it just doesn’t feel quite so awkward and weird.”
Despite that slight discomfort, Diesch said the project’s purpose made it worthwhile.
“The idea that we just get to be who we are and that she’s going to showcase our actual selves, not just stereotypes or just small parts of us. It’s beautiful,” they said.
Participants hope the project helps people better understand that autism looks different for everyone.
“We’re all just individual people, that this just happens to be another facet of us. This isn’t the only thing that defines us,” Diesch said.
“I feel like I’ve found my calling,” Bacon said. “I found place with people that I understand and that understand me.”
The project will debut in April, which is Autism Awareness Month, on the artist’s website and social media. She is also working to submit the project for ArtPrize come fall.