On April 2, the Zeughaus Youth Center in Passau hosted an event titled “Meine eigene Welt – Understanding Autism Better” , bringing together autistic speakers, experts, and the public to talk openly about life on the autism spectrum. The WDAA attended the event to listen and take part in a conversation that reflects our mission: improving accessibility and inclusion by understanding real experiences.
The evening was built around one central question: What does it feel like to live in a world that isn’t made for you? From that starting point, the discussion unfolded through personal stories, shared challenges, and reflections on how autism is seen and misunderstood in society.
Sebastian Kovac, who initiated the event, had first planned to give a solo talk about his life with autism. But as the idea developed with the support of Hanna, the educational director at Zeughaus, it grew into something broader. Together they shaped the format into a panel discussion that brought multiple voices to the stage: those with direct experience of autism, and professionals working in the field.
“I wanted to educate people interested in the topic,” Sebastian explained. “And illustrate different manifestations of ASD in more detail using examples.”
He was joined by Marina Pesa, also autistic individual and a co-organizer of the event, as well as Anja Rossmeier from NetzWerk Autismus, and Severin Plankl of Momentum Hilfen. The panel was moderated by Christian Moritz, who added a cross-disability perspective, he lost his sight a few years ago and spoke openly about how disability affects perception, identity, and participation in society.
Shared Experiences, Stereotypes and Misconceptions What stood out most during the evening was the openness of the discussion. Each panelist spoke from personal or professional experience, and the audience was encouraged to ask questions throughout. Topics included routines, compulsive behavior, sensory overload, meltdowns, sarcasm, and the complexity of reading facial expressions. These aren’t often discussed publicly, but they shape daily life for many people on the autism spectrum.
Audience engagement was strong from the beginning. Rather than sticking to pre-planned speeches, the format allowed for real conversation. People asked about things they didn’t understand or had never thought about, like why noise can feel physically painful, or how routines help manage unpredictability.
A significant part of the evening focused on public perception of autism, especially the persistent myths that limit understanding. The idea that autistic people are either extremely talented in narrow areas or entirely isolated is still widespread. Media portrayals often reinforce this by focusing on high-functioning individuals with very specific abilities.
Sebastian and the other panelists worked to correct these misconceptions.
“Autism is not a disease,” Sebastian said. “It’s a neurological developmental disorder.”
That clarification led to a broader point: autistic people don’t need to be “fixed.” What they need is recognition of difference, and environments that allow for those differences. This includes changes in education, work, public life, and especially in how communication is approached.
Diversity Within the Spectrum One message was repeated throughout the evening: autism is not a single experience. The phrase that came up more than once was, “If you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person.”
That reminder challenges the urge to generalize. It invites people to see autism as a spectrum of traits and responses, shaped by individual histories and personalities. Some autistic people are verbal, others are not. Some seek routine, others tolerate change. Many are somewhere in between.
“There’s no such thing as a typical autistic person,” Sebastian said. “That’s what people still often miss.”
This point resonated strongly. When public understanding is based mostly on media characters or secondhand impressions, it becomes harder for autistic individuals to be seen as they are. Events like this help reset that understanding, not by giving simple answers, but by showing real diversity within the spectrum.
Several barriers were named clearly and directly. Overstimulating environments, unpredictable social situations, and large classroom or workplace settings can make participation difficult. These are not rare or extreme cases, they’re daily realities.
Sebastian listed some of the most common difficulties: “Crowds, unmanageable noise, large class sizes in schools, communication difficulties, and finding a job that fits one's abilities.” Each of these challenges is tied not only to autism, but to how systems are currently built. The question is not only what autistic people can adapt to, but how society can adapt in return.
This shift, from asking people to cope, to asking systems to change, is a key part of meaningful inclusion.
Germany, like many countries, has made some progress. There are self-help groups, specialized support programs, and psychiatric facilities designed with autism in mind. But panelists pointed out that support still often depends on a diagnosis fitting into certain categories. And public conversations tend to focus on people who can explain their experiences in socially acceptable ways. That leaves others out.
A Space to Listen For everyone in the room, the event offered something different than a lecture or awareness campaign. It created a space where people could ask honest questions and hear responses that weren’t rehearsed. It invited listeners to think more deeply not just about autism, but about how we approach any kind of difference.
What made this evening meaningful wasn’t just the information shared, but the way it was shared: with clarity, patience, and trust. It reminded us that understanding starts with listening, and that listening well requires slowing down and making space.
At WDAA, we attend events like this to learn. Our work supports efforts that create access and equity, but the guidance comes from people with lived experience. They know what’s missing. They know what needs to change. Events like Meine eigene Welt make space for that knowledge to be shared, and for the rest of us to catch up.
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