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 from women across diverse communities, many of whom describe themselves as ‘high-masking’ autistic women who were diagnosed later in life.
Each portrait is shown alongside the participant’s own words, reflecting on diagnosis, identity and everyday life. Their stories reflect the long path many women take before receiving a diagnosis, and the ways autistic women are and girls can often be misunderstood or overlooked.
Together, the works offer insight into the inequalities, misunderstandings and barriers they face, while calling for greater understanding of neurodiversity.
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
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.
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.
Free
