As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate autism with the broader world, we’re happy to present the latest in a series of our ’10 questions with…’ series, featuring 18-year-old Autistic campaigner, multi-award-winning fundraiser, town councillor, and proud Birmingham City supporter, Alfie Ford.
1. You’re already making waves as an 18-year-old activist and councillor. If you had a superhero alias and powers tailored to autism awareness and advocacy, what would they be?
That is a tough question, My alias maybe would be A4ASDMan – a nod to championing autism for all. My superpowers would be a blend of super intelligence and teleportation, as I would be aware of all things and could make sure that people far and wide could be aware of autism and disabilities. Imagine being able to gather insights from every corner of the globe in an instant and then zipping around to spread awareness and spark change wherever it’s needed!
Never let anyone tell you to stop.
2. As a proud Birmingham City supporter, how do you blend your passion for football with your mission for autism awareness? Could you imagine staging a charity match where every goal drives change?
Blending my love for football with my commitment to autism awareness is incredibly important to me. I’ve had the privilege of working with Birmingham City on three occasions – hitting the pitch in April 2023 and January 2024, and contributing off the pitch at the training ground in November 2023. The idea of staging a charity match where every goal drives change sounds thrilling. I’d jump at the chance to collaborate with Birmingham City to create an event that celebrates both the spirit of the game and the power of inclusion.
3. Your 10km-a-day fundraiser is legendary. What kept you motivated to hit 15,000 steps daily, and did you ever envision your walks becoming a celebrated campaign symbol?
Every step was powered by the amazing support from people around the world. Knowing that so many believed in my mission to drive change for autistic and disabled communities kept me moving forward, even when it was tough. I never imagined that my daily walks would evolve into a celebrated symbol of hope and unity – a testament to the fact that every step counts when we’re striving for a more inclusive world.
4. Meeting Wayne Rooney must have been surreal. What was the most memorable or unexpected takeaway from that encounter, and has it influenced your campaigning style?
Meeting Wayne Rooney was truly surreal! I spent about 15 minutes chatting with him at the training ground, and he was genuinely interested in my experiences and my perspective on disability. His parting advice – to never let anyone tell you to stop – was a powerful takeaway that has since become a cornerstone of my campaigning style. It reinforced my belief in pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come my way.
5. You’ve shattered many stereotypes about autism. What’s one common myth about autism that you’d love to see vanish overnight, and how do you plan to challenge it?
Thank you, the one myth I’d like to vanish is the one where people think that every Autistic person is the same. I plan to challenge this by showing differences between autistic people.
One myth I’d love to see vanish overnight is the idea that all autistic individuals are the same. Autism is a spectrum of diverse experiences and strengths. I challenge this misconception by sharing personal stories and highlighting the unique qualities of every person on the spectrum – because our differences are what make us truly remarkable.
6. Having been praised in the House of Commons, what’s the boldest idea or policy change you’d propose to enhance disability inclusion, if you had Parliament’s floor for a minute?
If I had the floor in Parliament, I’d propose two bold changes: first, to classify ableism as a hate crime, making it a criminal offence; and second, to revamp the GCSE system to make it more accessible for autistic students. These measures would be a significant step toward building a society where everyone is respected and given equal opportunities to thrive.
7. In the spirit of thinking outside the box, what’s the craziest fundraising idea you’ve dreamed up – one that might sound a bit wild but has the potential to make a huge impact?
One of my wildest ideas is to tour every club in the English Football League and have candid, heart-to-heart conversations with first-team players about my journey and the importance of autism awareness. Imagine football stars lending their voices to the cause – it could truly revolutionise how we see and support autism on a national scale!
Every step counts when we’re striving for a more inclusive world.
8. With your busy schedule as a councillor and campaigner, how do you carve out time for yourself? Any fun hobbies or quirky ways to unwind that might surprise us?
Even with the busy life of a councillor and campaigner, I always make time to recharge. I rely on my trusty diary to carve out moments just for me – whether it’s diving into a good book, listening to my favorite tunes, or just enjoying a quiet moment of reflection. It’s all about finding those little pockets of time that help me stay balanced and inspired.
9. Looking ahead, what’s your big vision for autism and disability acceptance in the community, and how do you see sports, arts, or even social media playing a role in that future?
My big vision is to spark a nationwide – and eventually global – movement for autism and disability acceptance. I see sports, arts, and social media as powerful tools that can share stories, break down barriers, and bring people together. Each platform has the potential to educate, inspire, and transform communities into spaces where every individual is celebrated for who they truly are.
10. Who or what inspires you the most in your advocacy journey, and can you share an unexpected source of motivation that keeps your fire burning bright?
What fuels my passion the most is the journey itself – the continuous pursuit of meaningful change. An unexpected source of motivation comes from my own story. When I was younger and newly diagnosed, I often felt unseen and misunderstood. That personal experience drives me to ensure that no one else ever has to feel that way. Every step I take in my advocacy is dedicated to making sure every voice is heard and every individual is valued.
Stay up to date with Alfie’s inspiring journey by following him on:
JustGiving: justgiving.com/page/a4asdawareness
Instagram: instagram.com/a4asdawareness/
X: x.com/a4asdawareness
Facebook: facebook.com/alfietfford
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in I AM Profiles, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk
