Embracing my Autism at Tenovus Cancer Care

Working as the Digital Content Producer at Tenovus Cancer Care for the past three years has allowed me to bring my love for film in a way that truly matters. It’s an honour to capture and share people’s cancer journeys—each story told with the hope that it helps someone else feel less alone. 

For me, creating content that inspires, connects, and uplifts is incredibly fulfilling. This year, I’ve discovered that telling my own story can be just as powerful. 

In January, I experienced a huge personal shift when I was officially diagnosed with autism. After years of thinking I was broken, my diagnosis brought a tremendous sense of relief and healing that I never would have anticipated. For so long, I had pushed through jobs where I felt drained, forcing myself to fit into environments that were often too loud, bright, or fast-paced. I struggled in roles that required constant interaction, leaving me fatigued for days and feeling like a failure for not managing things as easily as my colleagues. I now understand that it wasn’t because I was incapable or lazy; it was simply a matter of needing the right support. 

In previous jobs, taking sick leave was often met with suspicion or dismissive comments. I was once told that I was "too young" to be unwell and that I must be “faking it” for extra time off when I was genuinely struggling. This only added to my struggles, as I pushed myself to prove otherwise, which left me chronically exhausted and overwhelmed. So, sharing something as personal as an autism diagnosis with an employer felt daunting, as I feared it might negatively impact my career. 

But my experience at Tenovus Cancer Care has been the complete opposite. When I shared the news with my two managers, they couldn’t have been more compassionate. Catrin, the head of our department, even had tears of happiness and pride, while my line manager, Nicola, immediately began thinking of ways to ensure I felt comfortable and empowered. Over the following months, I learned that Nicola had taken the initiative to read up about autism in her spare time to better understand my experience and working style. Their openness made me realise I was in exactly the right place and is partly why I’ve felt comfortable starting my own journey of “unmasking.” 

As a “high-masking” autistic, I’ve spent years hiding or minimising some of my autistic traits to blend in. Masking can be incredibly draining, which explains why I struggled in previous roles. This year, I’ve started using accessibility aids like ear defenders, which have helped me feel more comfortable in public and social settings. One of my most memorable “unmasking” moments was photographing this year’s Cardiff Pride Parade with Tenovus Cancer Care, where I wore ear defenders to work for the first time. Watching people celebrate their authentic selves at Pride gave me a huge boost of confidence to do the same. Tenovus Cancer Care has been the safe, supportive space I needed to take that step, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I even have a job assist to help me with aspects of my role that I struggle with such as making phone calls to new people. 

At Tenovus Cancer Care, my skills and contributions are what matter most. I’m valued for my abilities, not defined by my disability. This year, I was even trusted to photograph HRH The Princess Royal—an incredible honour that speaks to the level of trust and respect my team has in my work and knowledge. I’ve had the privilege of filming with some of our other amazing patrons, including Rob Brydon, Amy Dowden, and Sian Lloyd. Whether it’s animating videos for wide audiences or capturing powerful supporter stories on film, my work has even appeared on TV and in the press! And the best part? It’s always about the quality of what I produce, never about where I do it or how. The flexibility to work from home allows me to manage my environment, keeping me energised and at my best. 

Every day, Tenovus Cancer Care reminds me that the workplace can—and should—be a space for growth, acceptance, and self-discovery. I’ve been able to bring my whole self to work, and in doing so, I’ve realised that my differences are actually strengths that enhance my creativity and help me capture stories in unique ways. My “bottom-up” thinking style, for instance, allows me to focus on the details, see patterns others might miss, and bring fresh perspectives to our creative projects. 

So, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I hope sharing my autistic journey helps others realise they’re not alone and I want to remind those living with a disability that your capacity doesn’t define your capability. Tenovus Cancer Care has created a space where every individual is valued for who they are, celebrated for their talents, and supported in being their best. Here, you’re not just welcomed—you’re celebrated. 

Celyn has since gone on to share her journey on TikTok, where she connects with others and raises awareness about autism. This has led her to incredible opportunities, including recently traveling to Leeds to collaborate on a project that will be featured on a major platform at the end of December - watch this space!