The PR Student

April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, and the experiences of those impacted by it. While ASD diagnoses can be traced back to the 1980s and even as early as the 1940s, many parents of neurodivergent children continue to face ongoing challenges today. From navigating misinformation to finding experienced and compassionate care, the reality for families is often far more complex than public conversations suggest.

For my final audio interview project, I wanted to highlight those realities through a personal lens. Instead of approaching autism from a clinical or research-based perspective, I focused on storytelling by centering the voice of Tyler D., a single father in Seattle. He shares what it is like to raise his daughter, Tyla, who is on the autism spectrum.

🎧 Listen to the final audio interview here: https://soundcloud.com/linds-bradshaw/tyla-the-queen-v2

From Interview to Story

From the beginning, my goal was to move away from a traditional Q&A format and instead create a narrative-driven audio piece. I wanted the interview to feel like a story unfolding rather than a list of responses. To do this, I recorded narration that guides the listener through key moments in Tyler’s experience. These include early concerns, noticeable developmental changes, and the lasting impact on his daily life.

This structure allowed me to blend Tyler’s voice with my own in a way that feels natural and engaging. It also helped me establish a clear angle. This story is not just about autism as a diagnosis. It is about the lived experience of parenting a neurodivergent child.

Draft Process and Editing in Adobe Audition

In my initial draft, I focused on organizing the story and making sure each clip had a purpose. After recording the interview, I imported the audio into Adobe Audition. From there, I trimmed clips, arranged them into a logical sequence, and layered my narration between them.

One of the most important technical elements I worked on was audio leveling. I monitored decibel levels throughout the editing process to ensure that both my narration and Tyler’s responses were clear and consistent. I also experimented with sound design by adding background audio and sound effects to enhance the listening experience and create a polished final product.

Although the draft was structurally strong, feedback showed that some of these creative choices needed refinement.

Feedback and Revisions

The feedback I received from classmates and my instructor highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. One of the most encouraging takeaways was that the storytelling approach was effective. Reviewers noted that the narrative style made the piece more engaging and helped the story flow naturally. My use of narration, along with my attention to audio clarity and editing detail, were also seen as strong elements.

At the same time, there were several areas that needed revision.

First, the overall length of the audio piece needed to be tighter. While the interview itself met the two-minute requirement, the full recording ran slightly long. To address this, I refined my transitions and shortened parts of my narration to make the piece more concise without losing important context.

Second, my sound design choices needed adjustment. Some sound effects, especially a cheering effect and a whistling intro, felt out of place given the serious tone of the interview. Based on this feedback, I removed those elements and replaced them with more subtle audio choices that better support the story.

Finally, I addressed a technical issue where the interview audio played more prominently in the left ear. In Adobe Audition, I rebalanced the stereo channels so the audio plays evenly. This created a more professional and comfortable listening experience.

Final Improvements

In the final version of my audio interview, I focused on creating a smoother and more cohesive listening experience. I tightened transitions, improved pacing, and made sure each clip flowed naturally into the next. I also ensured that my narration supports Tyler’s voice rather than competing with it.

From a technical standpoint, rebalancing the audio and adjusting levels made a noticeable difference in overall quality. Removing distracting sound effects also helped the story feel more grounded and respectful of the subject matter.

These revisions allowed the final piece to better reflect my original intention, which was to create a short but meaningful story that highlights the real-life experiences of a parent navigating autism.

What I Learned

This project taught me that strong audio storytelling requires both creativity and technical skill. A compelling narrative can draw listeners in, but details like sound balance, pacing, and thoughtful audio design shape how the story is received.

I also learned how valuable feedback is during the revision process. Hearing how others experienced my work helped me identify elements I had not fully considered, especially in tone and sound design. Making those adjustments strengthened the final product.

Most importantly, this project reinforced the responsibility that comes with telling someone else’s story. Tyler’s experience reflects challenges that many families face, and it was important to approach that with care and respect. By focusing on storytelling and intentional editing, I aimed to create a piece that informs, connects, and resonates with listeners.