2 April marks Autism Awareness Day, a time to celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals while recognising the barriers they continue to face.

“Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability.”

“Being autistic means you may feel things and react to them differently to non-autistic people. You may find socialising confusing or tiring, and you may become overwhelmed in loud or busy places. You may have intense interests, prefer order and routine, and use repeated movements or actions to calm yourself or express joy. You might mask your discomfort to fit in, which can lead to mental illness.”

The National Autistic Society

At Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), every crew member is a vital part of the team. By creating a safe and supportive environment on board, with an experience tailored to each person’s individual needs, we empower young people to challenge themselves, recognise their strengths and reach their full potential.

One such inspiring story is that of Alex, an 18-year-old from Hampshire whose passion for the maritime world has shaped his journey.

Alex’s Story

“I am autistic, which I now see as a gift,” says Alex. “It gives me a unique perspective on the world, a fine memory for information, and strong abilities to focus on small details before processing the bigger picture.”

However, his journey has not been without obstacles. For much of his early education, Alex attended special schools where he felt safe and accepted. But as he grew older, he became increasingly self-conscious about his autism, he shared, “I became embarrassed by my autism when outside of school. Masking was exhausting, and I found it easier to be alone and to stay in safe, familiar environments, which did not present much of a challenge.”

“A ship in a port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.”

Alex’s journey took a transformative turn when he enrolled in the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Physical Activity (Outdoors) at Andrew Simpson Water Sports Centre in Portsmouth and Bay House, Gosport. The course, heavily focused on water sports, proved to be a perfect fit, helping him develop teamwork, instructional skills, and confidence.

As part of his course, Alex arranged a two-week work experience with us in July 2024. Though initially feeling nervous, Alex was enthusiastic to learn and get the most out of the experience.

He supported with a range of projects such as helping our Youth Development and Outdoor Learning team progress young people through our three-voyage journey. One of his ideas was to create a set of FAQs to help new voyagers better understand the environment on board. He also supported with maintenance and voyage prep, spending his last two days at Gunwharf Marina learning all the checks and preparation that goes into a voyage before it sets sail.

“I was blown away by how all the staff, both onshore and offshore, were so respectful, considerate, and courteous to each other. This made the whole working atmosphere so comfortable to be part of, and I missed it when I had to return to college.”

The work experience was so positive for Alex that we recommended him to book a seven-night Leadership voyage on the ketch. This was a monumental step for him – his first time away from home for more than two nights without his parents. Despite initial anxiety, he quickly found camaraderie among his fellow voyagers. “I learned so much about myself on the voyage and what I could do when challenged,” he shares. “It was more than just about building sailing skills, it was about confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, problem-solving, and independence.”

Since then, Alex has continued to challenge himself, completing a six-night Empowerment voyage on one of our 72ft Challengers. This was a step change, progressing from a 55ft ketch to a 72ft Steel yacht, and centred on embracing responsibility, decision making and understanding the impact of the maritime environment. The voyage further developed his resilience and independence and earned him his Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Competent Crew Certificate.

Next on his horizon is an eleven-night Adventure voyage down to the Bay of Biscay in August 2025, where he hopes to work towards his RYA Watch Leader Certificate.

“I always feel a sense of elation and pride in myself when I complete a voyage.”

While Alex still faces anxiety before voyages and struggles with confidence at times, he has learnt an invaluable lesson: he is not alone. “I have come to realise that many people feel this way, not just me, and it is important to try to push through it.”

Alex is also preparing for a summer of instructing at Andrew Simpson Water Sports Centre before embarking on his next big adventure. In September 2025, he will begin studying for a BSc (Hons) in Outdoor and Adventure Education at Chichester University, a path he had once never considered.

“Before I worked with the TSYT, university was not on my radar. I felt I would be overwhelmed and wouldn’t have the confidence to meet new people in an unfamiliar environment. However, now I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Alex has been fortunate to have had the encouragement from his school and ongoing love and support from his family to be able to pursue an education pathway that he is passionate about and that nurtures his strengths. When neurodivergent people are truly accepted and supported, individuals can thrive, embracing their unique strengths rather than hiding them.

Alex’s story is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential that lies within those with autistic brains who are accepted and supported to be their true selves and not only survive but thrive.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters, we offer bursary funding to help people like Alex gain invaluable experiences for personal growth on our voyages. If you would like to learn more, visit: tallships.org/what-we-do/our-work/