Gillis Williams
Autism Speaker and Proud Autistic Self-Advocate
I'm an autistic speaker from Eugene, Oregon. I share my own story of growing up autistic and learning to speak up for myself, so schools, colleges, and organizations can explore autism acceptance with someone who lives it.
300k+
Followers on Social Media
50+
Speaking Engagements
25+
Organizations Supported
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Autism!
GO AUTISM!
RIZZ'EM WITH THE 'TISM
AUTISM ISLIT
DIFFERENT, NOT LESS
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Hi, I'm Gillis. Founder of AutismChoseMe.
I was diagnosed with autism when I was five. From the time I started grade school, making friends was hard. Some kids in my class bullied me because they decided my autism made me "weird" and "different." On top of that came therapy sessions and constant meetings with my teachers.
But that isn't where my story stops. I found friends who understood me, people who helped me find support, and, eventually, my voice. Right out of high school, I started AutismChoseMe. Since 2018, it has grown into talks, videos, educational resources, and merch, and I earned a broadcast news degree from Washington State University along the way. Now I speak in the same kinds of classrooms where I once struggled to fit in.
My mission
To advocate, educate, inform, and entertain, so autistic people are understood and included.
What I stand for
Be a leader for all autistic individuals. Put people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities first. HAVE FUN!
Autism Talks for Schools, Colleges, and Organizations
The best lessons in life come from real experiences, not lectures. In my talks, I share what growing up autistic was actually like, so audiences can go from simply knowing about autism to truly accepting it, with discussion and Q&A built in.
Schools
I adjust every talk to your students' age, from elementary assemblies to high school classrooms. Students hear what growing up autistic was really like and get to ask their own questions.
Colleges and Universities
My college-focused talk covers life as an autistic adult, from campus to the workplace, for education programs, disability services, and student groups.
Disability organizations and conferences
I've given an opening keynote at a statewide conference and spoken for community disability organizations. Your attendees get one autistic adult's honest story, plus time to engage.
What we'll explore
Growing up autistic, from school to adulthood
Going from autism awareness to real acceptance
Speaking up for what you need
Masking, and how autism looks different in kids and adults
Watch Me Speak
Here's a look at three talks, from professional conference to elementary school, so you can see how I adapt to the people in front of me.
Oregon Statewide Transition Conference 2026
Opening Keynote · Eugene, OR
The Arc of Lane County
Church on the Rise · Roseburg, OR
Edison Elementary School
Eugene, OR
GO AUTISM! Merch
Merch for people who are proud to be autistic, and for everyone who has their back.
“Rizz ’Em with the ’Tism” Trucker Hat
“Autism Is Lit” Light Blue Shirt
“Autism Is Lit” Navy Blue Shirt
“Autism Is Lit” Yellow Shirt
“Autism Is Lit” Navy Blue Hoodie
“Autism Is Lit” Yellow Hoodie
Autism Awareness Curriculum for Every Grade
K–5
Grades K–5 · Elementary Unit
We're All Unique – And That's a Superpower!
Every student designs a "Super Self" around their own strengths, then learns that autism is one of the many ways brains can work. Includes kindness scenarios, a class poster, coloring pages, and simple exit tickets.
6–8
Grades 6–8 · Middle School Unit
Autism Myth Busters!
A middle school unit on questioning what you've heard about autism. It includes a myth quiz, a myths-vs-facts organizer, a group project, a discussion guide, a trading card activity, and an assessment, with a suggested five-session plan.
9–12
Grades 9–12 · High School Unit
Neurodiversity in Real Life!
Helps teens think critically about what they see about autism online. Includes a lesson plan, social media reflection, essay and debate assignments, rubrics, and a suggested five-session schedule.
College
College & Beyond · Curriculum
Lead with Neurodiversity!
A college curriculum built around a case study of my own path, from self-advocacy to entrepreneurship to leadership. Students audit their campus for inclusion and build a 10-step inclusion plan for their future career.
Featured In
TV Segment
KVAL News · CBS 13 Eugene
How a TikTok account started in a college dorm room grew into AutismChoseMe.
Alumni Magazine Profile
Washington State Magazine
Washington State University's magazine on my content, my story, and my goals as a speaker.
WSU Student Newspaper
The Daily Evergreen
Coverage of my talk at a WSU symposium on living with autism and ADHD.
WSU Student Newspaper
The Daily Evergreen
Coverage of the fundraiser I ran for autism nonprofits during Autism Acceptance Month 2021, while I was still a WSU student.
Questions About Booking an Autism Speaker
Ask me!
How far in advance should I request a talk?
I ask schools and organizations to confirm a date and time about a month before the event. That gives me time to prepare a presentation built around your audience. If your date is sooner, reach out anyway, but earlier is always better, especially for events that involve travel.
What happens after I request a speaking engagement?
First, I'll get back to you about your event, your audience, and your goals, along with my rates and availability. After we agree on the details, I create a slideshow tailored to your school or organization and share it before the event. If you'd like changes, tell me. If not, we confirm the day and I get ready to speak.
Do you only speak in Eugene, Oregon, or will you travel?
Eugene is home base, but I'm an autism speaker for schools and organizations wherever the event makes sense. I've mostly spoken across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and I'm open to longer trips, including international events. Share your city and dates in your request, and we'll work out travel together.
Is your talk appropriate for my students' age group?
You might know me from my funny videos online. When I speak at schools, the focus is on education. I keep every talk respectful and suitable for the age group, whether that's an elementary assembly or a high school classroom. Before your event, I'll share my slides with you so you can see exactly what students will hear.
Do you offer virtual presentations?
My talks are in person. I gave virtual presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I've since returned to speaking in person, because I believe the connection and Q&A work best in the room. If virtual is the only option for your event, mention it in your request.
Can I use your autism education resources without booking a talk?
Yes. My autism awareness curriculum works on its own. There are resources for grades K–5, 6–8, and 9–12, plus a college curriculum and a student workbook. Each includes lesson plans, student activities, and teacher guidance written from my perspective as an autistic adult. Access them here.
Stay Connected With AutismChoseMe
Join my newsletter for news about my talks, new educational resources, and merch drops. If you'd like to go a step further, you can also support my work directly and help me keep sharing autism acceptance in schools and online.
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AutismChoseMe is a small business, not a registered charity. Contributions are not tax-deductible.
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Autism!