As part of her placement year, undergraduate student, Alex Medintu, recently took up the challenge of organizing an event to raise awareness for Autism Acceptance Month. After the event, we had a chat with Alex to find out more about her placement with ACoRN Sussex.

I chose to do a placement as part of my degree to gain valuable hands-on experience that would support my future academic work, including my dissertation. I was particularly drawn to this placement and Autism research because I believe in recognizing and valuing neurodiversity as well as understanding the different ways people think, learn, and experience the world.

During my placement year, I’ve been actively involved in projects, writing blogs, hosting reading groups, and more. A major opportunity was leading the organization of the Shine a Light: Student Voices on Autism event for Autism Acceptance Week. This has involved working with students and staff to create an engaging and meaningful experience. From securing speakers to managing logistics and being the comms-lead for, it’s been an exciting opportunity to develop my skills. I have also completed two ethics forms, one for an amazing project with a Forest School, which has given me a better understanding of research processes and what to expect in the future.

Organizing the Shine a Light on Autism event was both challenging and rewarding. It required a mix of creativity, strong communication, and teamwork skills. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration and the importance of attention to detail. Another fulfilling aspect was seeing how the event brought people together, which made all the hard work worthwhile.

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Week is important because it promotes not just awareness but genuine understanding. Throughout my placement, we listened to talks which have helped me learn how small changes, such as clearer communication, flexible environments, and greater awareness, can make a big difference in creating a more supportive atmosphere for neurodivergent individuals.

I’ve learned a great deal from my placement, especially about planning, collaboration, and the importance of attention to detail. The experience has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and it has provided practical insights that will support my academic work and future career. I personally believe it has pushed me in many great ways; it has made me a little more confident in my social skills, it has allowed me to learn new skills and develop them further, and it has given me a new community here at university.

After university, I want to pursue a career as a mental health practitioner. I’m passionate about supporting people’s well-being and helping individuals navigate challenges in a way that works for them. My placement experience has reinforced my interest in mental health advocacy, accessibility, and community support. I hope to work in a role where I can make a meaningful impact whether through direct support, awareness initiatives, or improving access to mental health resources.

Alex Medintu is studying the BSc Psychology (with a professional placement year) course at the University of Sussex.

Check out the Shine a Light: Student Voices on Autism Padlet to see all of our students’ work from the event.

You can find out more about autism research at Sussex on the ACoRNS Sussex website and Instagram page.