‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’ wins at the Broadcast Awards

Chris Packham stares into the camera. His hands are clasped beneath his chin, he is in a wooded area.

Following success at the Grierson Awards, the BBC/Open University co-production Inside our Autistic Minds has been recognised at the 2024 Broadcast Awards, scooping the prize for Best Specialist Factual Programme.

Inside Our Autistic Minds was presented by naturalist Chris Packham, who was himself diagnosed with Asperger’s in 2005. The two-part series offers a revealing look into the minds of autistic adults, taking viewers on a journey to better understand what it is like to experience the world as a person with autism.

The judges described the programme as “a testament to inspired storytelling" and "a compelling example of education seamlessly intertwining with emotional engagement". One judge said "Chris's deeply personal connection adds a moving and enlightening dimension. This programme has left an indelible mark and prompted a transformative shift in my perspective."

The academic consultants on the series were Professor of Education, Kieron Sheehy and Senior Lecturer in Education, Fiona Henry.

The OU team has also produced educational materials to support the series: a free interactive which explores how technologies are being used to represent the lived autistic experience, and an interview with Chris Packham has been recorded for use in a new module, Introduction to Childhood Studies and Child Psychology.

The OU/BBC co-production Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland also won at the Broadcast Awards, picking up Best Documentary Series.

Watch Inside Our Autistic Minds on BBC iPlayer.

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