The Core Message of ‘What’s Your Thing?’

The PRISMA Group and Positive Exposure Partner to Celebrate the Humanity of People on the Autism Spectrum Through Photography and Art

Photographs by: Positive Exposure’s Rick Guidotti

The Kelm Family

"What's Your Thing?" is a global collaboration between PRISMA (Precision Medicine in Autism) and Positive Exposure, joining efforts to celebrate individuality, human connection, and the beauty of diversity through photography. This groundbreaking project unites these two groups to celebrate the unique passions and talents of individuals living with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.

The idea for "What's Your Thing?" emerged from a simple question often asked in clinic by Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca, Associate Professor & Principal Investigator of the PRISMA Group and Child and Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Moreno De Luca explains: "“What's your thing?"  is often my favorite question to ask people on the autism spectrum who come to our clinic. I patiently wait for the answers, some of which come from the kids and young adults themselves, and some that are shared by the families of people with limited language as their eyes brighten up. I have learned about sharks, igneous rocks, clocks, different philosophical theories (and why they don’t make sense), Def Leppard, Star Wars, SpongeBob Square Pants, & Elmo.  I have seen firsthand the breathtaking results of many of those intense interests and how they can be simultaneously revitalizing and consuming."

Amanda

This simple question—"What’s your thing?"—became the inspiration for a campaign that emphasizes the uniqueness of each person while celebrating the universal emotions that connect us all. The PRISMA team believes that understanding and respecting individual passions—their "things"—is key to fostering connection and empathy.

PRISMA, based at the University of Alberta and CASA Mental Health, is led by Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca and brings together a multidisciplinary team of genetic counselors, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrists, and other clinicians and researchers. This team collaborates with individuals diagnosed with autism or neurodevelopmental conditions, many of whom seek support for mental health needs. Through their work, PRISMA often helps to identify underlying genetic diagnoses while honoring and celebrating each person’s uniqueness.

Diane

Positive Exposure was founded by acclaimed photographer Rick Guidotti, who left the high fashion world and subsequently spent over 25 years transforming societal perceptions of beauty by showcasing human diversity through positive imagery. Guidotti's work, which spans the globe, seeks to replace dehumanizing stereotypes with vibrant, life-affirming representations of people with genetic, physical, behavioral, or intellectual differences.  Positive Exposure’s vast experience in advocacy and public engagement brings a dynamic dimension to the campaign. As a global initiative, Positive Exposure has partnered with countless advocacy organizations to challenge conventional ideas of beauty and difference.

The partnership between PRISMA and Positive Exposure was a natural alignment, as both organizations are driven by a desire to celebrate our shared humanity.  Rick’s powerful portraits, accompanied by online galleries that elaborate on the participants interests, invite viewers to move beyond diagnostic labels spend time getting to know each participant. The core message of the "What's Your Thing?" campaign is simple, yet strong: we all have our “things”—the passions that make us feel alive, connected, and seen. In encouraging people to reflect on their own interests and what brings them joy, the project emphasizes that these feelings are universal, transcending the boundaries of diagnosis or ability. Our “things” are what make us human.

"What's Your Thing?” currently showcases photographs from local communities in the United States and Canada, and is currently expanding as PRISMA and Positive Exposure continue to cultivate strong relationships with local advocacy organizations.  The exhibit has showcased local participants at the Brown Medical Center, the Museum of Work and Culture in Rhode Island, as well as the Art Gallery of St Alberts in and Calgary in Canada.

Jordan

The collaboration has been met with enthusiasm from families and participants, who see the project as an opportunity to be seen and celebrated. The images not only elevate the voices of those involved but also serve as a powerful reminder to the wider community: embracing diversity strengthens our collective humanity.

Ultimately, the partnership between PRISMA and Positive Exposure is about more than just creating beautiful images—it’s about shifting mindsets and connecting with the local community. By reframing how we view difference, the project hopes to inspire a world that values individuality, inspires connection, and recognizes the inherent worth of every person. Whether through art, science, or community engagement, "What's Your Thing?" serves as a call to action, inviting all of us to celebrate our own “things” and those of others.

As the project moves forward, both PRISMA and Positive Exposure are committed to continuing their collaborative efforts and exploring new ways to celebrate humanity on a global scale. The impact of the campaign is not just felt through the stunning visuals but through the connections formed and the conversations sparked. In celebrating our unique “things,” we find common ground, building a world that is more inclusive, understanding, and connected.

Matteo