Autism Speaker for Schools, Colleges, and Events
Since 2018, I've been sharing my story of growing up autistic and learning to speak up for myself. Each talk is in person, built for your audience's age and goals, and ends with time for the honest questions people don't usually get to ask.
GO AUTISM!
RIZZ'EM WITH THE 'TISM
AUTISM ISLIT
DIFFERENT, NOT LESS
GO AUTISM!
Why Choose Gillis as Your Autistic Speaker?
Four reasons organizers invite me into their classrooms, campuses, and conferences.
I've Lived It
I'm not a researcher or a clinician. I'm an autistic adult sharing what growing up autistic was actually like, from the inside.
01
Trained to Communicate
I earned a Broadcast News degree from Washington State University, so I know how to speak clearly, hold a room, and keep a message easy to follow.
02
Appropriate for Every Age
I adjust my language, stories, and examples to fit your audience, from K–12 students to college classes and professional conferences.
03
Interactive, Not a Lecture
I don't just talk at people. My presentations invite participation, discussion, and honest questions.
04
Talks for Every Audience
My Autism: Journey + Knowledge
A personal look at how autism shapes my life, paired with practical ways schools and communities can build acceptance, inside and outside the classroom.
Good to Know
Best for: Teachers, school administrators, disability service providers, and individuals with developmental disabilities
Ages: 18+
Length: About 45 minutes
Format: In person · Slideshow presentation · Interactive discussion and Q&A
What We'll Explore
How to be accepting, not just aware
Steps schools and individuals can take to promote acceptance
Why I'm proud to be an autistic self-advocate
To Be a Self-Advocate
Self-advocacy is a skill I had to learn. In this talk, I share how I learned it, and the college version digs into how my years in college shaped who I am today.
Good to Know
Best for: Teachers, school administrators, disability service providers, and individuals with developmental disabilities.
Ages: 18+
Length: About 45 minutes
Format: In person · Slideshow presentation · Interactive discussion and Q&A
What We'll Explore
What self-advocacy really means
Finding balance as an autistic kid
Why I share my life as an autistic adult on social media
Awareness + Acceptance = Autism
What does it mean to accept someone who experiences the world differently? I introduce students to autism through my own story, with opportunities to join in, ask questions, and explore.
Good to Know
Best for: Elementary students and their teachers
Grades: 4–5; ask about other grade levels
Length: Confirmed when booking
Format: In person, slideshow, student participation, and Q&A
What We'll Explore
Autism through my personal experience
What acceptance and inclusion mean
Ways to show kindness to classmates
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
From Request to Real Talk in 4 Steps
1
Send a request
Share who you're bringing together, where, and when, plus what you'd like your audience to take away.
2
Get My Rates and Availability
I'll reply with my speaking rates, what my talk covers, and the dates I'm available. Travel costs are quoted separately.
3
I Build Your Talk
Once we agree on a date and fee, I create a presentation built for your audience and share the slides with you for feedback.
We Confirm, and I Show Up Ready
With everything confirmed, I show up, share my story, and leave time for your audience's questions.
Good Questions to Ask an Autism Speaker
How much does it cost to book you?
My rates depend on your event: the size and type of your audience, where you’re located, and what you need from the talk. Because a classroom visit in Eugene and an out-of-state conference keynote are very different events, I share pricing directly instead of listing one flat fee. Send a request with your details, and I’ll reply with a clear quote you can take to whoever approves the budget. Travel costs are quoted separately.
How large an audience can you speak to?
Any size works. I’ve given talks in single classrooms and on conference stages with hundreds of people, and I’m open to even larger events. Tell me your expected attendance in your request, so I can plan the right format.
Can you speak more than once, or over multiple days?
Yes. I’ve done multi-day speaking engagements before. If you’d like separate sessions, for example different grade levels, staff and students, or several days at a conference, include that in your request, and I’ll plan each talk for its audience.
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.
Who follows you on social media?
Organizers ask this a lot. My followers are mostly teens and young adults who come for humor, honesty, and real talk about autism. My school and event presentations are a separate, more focused experience, built to be appropriate for every audience.
Can you give advice about a specific student or diagnosis?
No. I speak from my own life, not as a professional who evaluates or supports individual students. My talks help audiences understand autism and acceptance through one real person’s story. Questions about a specific child’s needs are best answered by their care team or school specialists.
Ready to Plan
Your Event?
Every great event starts with a conversation. Send me your details, and I’ll help you plan a talk your audience can connect with.
Prefer email? Reach me at
info@autismchoseme.com