Finding Her Voice: Janette T. Bundic’s Journey as an Autistic Writer

April marks World Autism Acceptance Month, a time to honour the diverse experiences and voices of autistic individuals around the globe. To celebrate, we had the privilege of speaking with Janette T. Bundic—a talented writer, artist, and advocate—about her journey, her creative process, and her recently published essay in a book titled Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter.

Janette’s passion for writing began early. At just seven years old, she discovered a love for poetry and limericks. Her creativity blossomed in elementary school with the encouragement of a supportive teacher and a scribe—both of which helped her navigate the challenges of dyslexia.

This early boost in confidence helped Janette see writing not only as a hobby, but as a meaningful form of self-expression—one that would stay with her through some of life’s difficult moments.

Janette was diagnosed with autism when she was 17, a life-changing moment that brought clarity. She described the years that followed as some of the darkest she’s known, marked by anxiety and depression. It was during this time that writing became a lifeline. Putting her experiences into words allowed her to process her emotions, find her inner peace, and slowly begin healing.

Sharing her story with the world

Today, Janette is a published author. Her essay in Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter, compiled by Carrie Magro, gives readers an honest and empowering glimpse into her life as an autistic writer. She submitted her essay as part of a scholarship application—and was thrilled to be selected as one of the contributors. Her work now stands alongside those of other autistic authors, bringing visibility to voices that are too often left out of the mainstream.

Along the way, Janette has been uplifted by a circle of caring individuals who believed in her talents. Her mother, a teacher, advocated for the supports she needed. A thoughtful schoolteacher and scribe encouraged her love of writing early on. “My teacher saw my artwork one time, and she said, ‘I can see you being in a museum one day, because this is really good.’ And I was really touched by that,” Janette shared. “It inspired me to write—it was just really fun to know that I can do something great one day.” Her long-time counsellor—now also her meditation teacher—recognized her potential when she was in elementary school. Even her grandfather played a role in nurturing her creativity. Their guidance and encouragement helped shape the confident writer she is today.

Janette credits her autism with shaping the way she sees the world—and writes about it. Her unique sensory and emotional experiences offer a different lens on creativity, and her hyperfocus ability allows her to dive deeply into her writing process. But it’s not without challenges. She is still working with her dyslexia, and using techniques to overcome it, like writing by hand and editing with cross-outs instead of using White-Out.

Through her writing, Janette hopes to challenge common misconceptions about autism, especially the narrow stereotypes often seen in media. She talked about how autistic characters are usually men and rarely reflect the diversity of real-life experiences. Her work aims to offer a more authentic perspective that shows the depth, creativity, and emotional richness of autistic lives.

Inspiring others and looking ahead

Janette’s goal is to inspire other autistic individuals, especially young women, to embrace their stories and speak up in their own ways. She hopes her work will not only offer representation but also encourage people to think differently about autism.

The book Autistics on Autism: The Next Chapter is now available on Amazon and Janette plans to promote the book on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Janette is also open to connecting with readers at future community events.

We’re so grateful to Janette for sharing her story with us. Her courage, talent, and dedication to authentic representation are inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what she writes next!