Relationship counsellor and former Aspect employee, Jodi Rodgers, and illustrator Kelvin Wong, co-created Let’s Meet.
The graphic novel is warm, practical, and honest, and developed for teens and young adults exploring friendship, dating and relationships - especially those who are neurodivergent and Autistic.
Jodi and Kelvin first met on ABC's Love on the Spectrum and stayed connected through their shared love of storytelling. Together, they’ve created a book that gently answers big questions, such as:
- How do I start a conversation?
- What should I wear on a date?
- What if I feel nervous?
With relatable characters and thoughtful guidance, Let’s Meet offers support that feels like a conversation between friends.
We asked Jodi and Kelvin a few quick questions about the book, their friendship, and their favourite messages for Autistic young people and their families.
What inspired you to turn your friendship into a graphic novel about dating on the autism spectrum ?
Kelvin and I met on Love on the Spectrum in 2019. As a way of staying in contact with one another, we began a project based on our common interest of visual story telling. Originally this was just a project for the two of us, but it kept growing and after 3 years it had developed to a point where we wondered if it would be helpful for other people.
The book talks openly about things like anxiety, small talk and being “tongue-tied.” What advice would you give to someone who feels overwhelmed even thinking about a date?
Dating is difficult for everyone, and dating anxiety is a real thing. The most important thing is confidence. For anyone who is interested in dating, having a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem is a great place to start. And remember that any person that you are going to date is probably going to be anxious too.
There’s a strong message in the book that “you are just right being YOU.” Why is that reminder important for anyone exploring relationships, especially for Autistic people?
We all want to be our authentic selves in a relationship, so it is essential that you can be "just you." A healthy and respectful relationship is built on individuals being comfortable in their own skin and being able to share their true self with another person. We don't want to date a person that doesn't accept us for who we are, and not every person is going to be a good fit for us. It is also important that people know that 'you are right just being you" if you do not want to date or be in a relationship. Every person is different.
If someone has never been on a date before, where’s a good place to start?
The best place to start is with friendships. Many people may want a boyfriend or girlfriend or a partner, but they are not able to name friends. Practicing "dating" includes communication with a friend, hanging out with a friend and organising activities and outings with a friend. When you feel that you have practiced friendship, then you will have the confidence to start dating.
The next step is all about meeting new people so that you can create connections for dating.
What would you like parents and carers to understand about supporting Autistic young people who want to explore dating?
Dating is fun and is a natural part of a person's life experience if they desire a romantic and intimate relationship. The best support that can be given is to educate people on safe and respectful dating, which includes personal safety and respect of others. People meet others for dating through friendship groups or joining in on activities, so supporting people to build their social networks is important.
Modern dating includes dating apps and this is a common way for people to expand their connections. The safety of online dating needs to be taken into consideration, if a person wants to "get on the apps" but they are also a brilliant way for people who are anxious about face-to-face interactions to practice communicating with another person.
The reality of rejection also needs to be openly discussed. Meeting your person, takes time and energy and not everyone is going to be a good match for you. Rejection is hard but it is a component of the dating world that is unavoidable.
What advice would you give about maintaining a long-term relationship, once it has been established?
Long term relationships are built on compromise. This can difficult for everyone, but it is the foundation of a healthy relationship. We all see the world from a different perspective and learning to understand one other's point of view and to find common ground is integral.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of dating advice, what would it be?
Be brave. Be confident. Have fun. And know that we are all loveable.
