No You’re Not, Yes I Am: A Portrait of Autistic Women – SET Lewisham Exhibition

No You’re Not, Yes I Am is a photography project by documentary photographer Rosie Barnes, developed over six years between 2018 and 2024. The exhibition brings together portraits and extended interviews with autistic women from different communities.

Many of the participants describe themselves as high-masking autistic women who were diagnosed later in life. Their stories reflect the long path many women take before receiving a diagnosis, and the ways autism can be misunderstood or overlooked.

Each portrait is shown alongside the participant’s own words, reflecting on diagnosis, identity and everyday life. The testimonies speak about navigating a world that often misunderstands autistic women and girls.

Together, the portraits and interviews offer a closer look at these experiences and invite visitors to reflect on how autism is recognised and understood.

Alongside the exhibition, a panel discussion on Thursday 26 March will bring together contributors and specialists to explore the themes raised by the project and discuss how society can better support autistic women and girls.

Residents, families and community groups are invited to visit the exhibition and engage with the stories on display.

Public opening event: Monday 23 March, 6-8pm
Exhibition run dates: Open daily between 24-28 March, 2-6pm
Panel discussion: Thursday 26 March, 6-8pm
Location: Unit 1, Lewisham Retail Park, Lewisham, London, SE13 7RZ
Admission: Free; no booking required for exhibition.

If you’d like to attend the panel discussion, please RSVP at outreach.admin@drumbeat.lewisham.sch.uk

Accessibility visits can be arranged through Drumbeat Outreach:
S.Gannon@drumbeat.lewisham.sch.uk

About the artist

Rosie Barnes is a fine art documentary photographer whose work explores the human condition, neurodiversity and our relationship with the non-human world.

Over a thirty-year career she has developed long-form photographic projects that challenge assumptions, expand public understanding and give visibility to overlooked subjects. Her work has appeared in The Guardian Weekend, the Financial Times and projects with the Wellcome Collection.

She is widely recognised for her work exploring autism. Her book Understanding Stanley was widely reviewed and exhibited across Europe, while the portrait series No You’re Not, Yes I Am was funded by the Wellcome Collection, with two portraits selected for the Taylor Wessing National Portrait Prize.

Barnes lives in London and her practice is informed by her own experience of neurodivergence.

Partners and support

The exhibition is presented with support from Drumbeat Outreach and marks the beginning of Autism Awareness Month in Lewisham.

It is supported by Lewisham Council Public Health as part of the Lewisham All Age Autism Strategy, and contributes to the Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme.