JESS Kellar set out to make something that is largely invisible, visible - but today is the last chance people will be able to see it at the University of Newcastle Gallery.
Ms Kellar curated an exhibition of works created entirely by female artists with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for her honours research project, Thinking In Pictures.
She hoped sharing her own paintings alongside the artwork of other girls and women with ASD would give people better insight into different "versions" of autism outside of the "Rain Man" stereotypes.
"I spend a lot of time in public trying to hold everything in, hold it together, present as 'normal'," she said. "Art is a chance for me to be bold, expressive, loud and let what's inside come out. It is so much easier for me to express myself through art than talking."
Me Kellar, who also invited students from Hunter ASPECT school to create pieces for the exhibition, said her art was "experiential" - it needed to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
"You can look at chocolate, read about chocolate, study and research it, but you cannot fully appreciate it until you have tasted it," she said.
"I think the same thing applies to ASD. People have trouble understanding it, especially in females, where it's hidden and complex and confusing... The community is more aware of the stereotypical Rain Man, science, math, genius version of ASD. But it needs to see different versions of ASD."
See the exhibition by appointment on 4921 5255.
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