Autism: In conversation with auticon

There is often lots of learning (and unlearning) to be done when it comes to understanding neurodivergent conditions. For instance, many of the standard parenting guidelines simply don’t apply to neurodivergent children, meaning parents often have to find their own unique ways of doing things. This can mean re-writing the rulebook to find an approach that works for each individual child and family. Having the courage to take a personalised approach, even if it means going against expectations, can be a great blueprint for helping the working world to become more neuroinclusive. In our latest episode of ‘Autism: In conversation with auticon’, we talk to some incredible parents who are definitely blazing a trail when it comes to advocating for their neurodivergent children, paving the way for a better future for all.

This Autism Acceptance Month, auticon is talking about the need to better educate people about autism and neurodivergence. It is thought that 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent but with the number of people receiving a diagnosis of ADHD skyrocketing, and autism assessment services seeing unprecedented figures, it is thought that the figure of 15-20% of the global population is probably conservative. If we are ever going to pave the way for our neurodivergent community to thrive, education is at the heart of that process. But how do we tackle years of lack of awareness and understanding to really break through and make meaningful change? We invited author, illustrator and advocate, Eliza Fricker, Hayley Hamilton, Neuroinclusion Coach at auticon and Eden West, Associate Artist at Access All Areas to join Carrie Grant MBE to discuss how best to educate people about neurodivergence.

One of the things we are really passionate about is shining a light on best practices, hopefully giving inspiration to others who might want to do more to make the workplace a more inclusive place for neurodivergent people. Sometimes when people from the neurodivergent community request accommodations to be made they can be met with a rejection because ‘if an exception is made for one person, it can open up the floodgates to other people requesting the same thing’. But, is that such a bad thing? Are these rigid ways of working outdated and harmful, not only the person but the business as a whole? In this episode Carrie Grant MBE discusses the benefits of neuroinclusion with: Charlotte Valeur, Chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity Kirsty Cook, Global Director of Neuroinclusion Services at auticon Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland

One of the things we are really passionate about is shining a light on best practices, hopefully giving inspiration to others who might want to do more to make the workplace a more inclusive place for neurodivergent people. Sometimes when people from the neurodivergent community request accommodations to be made they can be met with a rejection because ‘if an exception is made for one person, it can open up the floodgates to other people requesting the same thing’. But, is that such a bad thing? Are these rigid ways of working outdated and harmful, not only the person but the business as a whole? In this episode Carrie Grant MBE discusses the benefits of neuroinclusion with: Charlotte Valeur, Chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity Kirsty Cook, Global Director of Neuroinclusion Services at auticon Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland

It’s Valentine’s Day, which got us thinking about relationships – whether that be romantic relationships, friendships, working relationships, and beyond. So what better theme to start series 5 than that very subject? We really hope you enjoy the first episode: ‘Autism and relationships’. For anyone new to the podcast, each episode aims to help raise a greater understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity, through fascinating conversations with fantastic guests. Throughout the episodes, we talk about the many benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent, through to some of the more common challenges faced by autistic adults navigating the workplace, plus so much more! Hosted by late diagnosed autistic broadcaster and campaigner, @carriegrantsays (who is also mum to four neurodivergent children), every episode features inspirational guests from all walks of life, who each share a passion for making the world more inclusive. In this episode we welcome: Sef Cavendish: Social media manager at @Hikiapp, the world's largest dating app for autistic people Ashlea Cromby: Neuroinclusion Advisor at @auticon_uk And Dr Emma Svanberg: Clinical psychologist and author of ‘Parenting for Humans’ @mumologist We loved hearing what they had to say about this subject, with each guest bringing a fresh and varied perspective to a topic that impacts each of us, every single day. Find out more about our guests and the companies/organisations referenced in this episode here: ⁠www.auticon.com/uk⁠ https://www.hikiapp.com https://dremmasvanberg.com https://www.carrieanddavidgrant.co.uk https://www.neuromancersmagazine.com (Sef voluntary work) https://www.catherineasta.com (Emma's recommendation)

In this episode the auticon team had the opportunity to 'turn the tables' and interview the host of our podcast series, Carrie Grant MBE. Carrie - mother to four neurodivergent children and long-time advocate for autistic and neurodivergent people, tells auticon exclusively how she has been diagnosed as autistic (in January 2023). The award-winning broadcaster, vocal coach, leadership coach tells us about how her diagnosis has lead her to reflect upon her childhood, career, the meaning of the word 'autistic' and what she hopes her diagnosis will mean to others. Carrie spoke about her decision to use the auticon podcast to share her announcement. She said, “I cannot think of a better group to do this kind of interview with than you guys, because what you are doing is not just life-changing for autistic people (and) therefore life-changing for their families, but actually you are system-changing. And when you get to system changing, that's when you're talking about legacy.” auticon is an autistic-majority social enterprise. It tackles inequalities in employment for neurodivergent adults by employing autistic IT consultants and placing them into specialist roles within high profile companies. auticon also provides extensive neuroinclusion services, including advisory, coaching and training for its clients and any businesses wishing to become more inclusive workplace environments.

Research shows that due to the unequal structures in our society, those who have a diagnosis of autism plus additional intersections, such as gender identity, sexuality, race etc., face multiple barriers. This episode aims to explore what we mean by intersectionality, why it is particularly relevant to the autistic community and hear about people’s lived experiences. Our Guests in This Episode:

A diagnosis of autism can often go hand in hand with a plethora of superb skills, such as pattern recognition and attention to detail. However, sadly, the employment figures for autistic people are depressingly low, with only around 1 in 5 in employment. The purpose of this episode, therefore, is to shine a light on the incredible abilities of those with an autism diagnosis. Our Guests in This Episode:

The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly since the 1990s. This episode looks at what the diagnostic process involves, along with signposting for people who may be looking for more information as they take their next steps towards getting a diagnosis. We’ll also talk about what the implications are for autistic people within the workplace. Our Guests in This Episode: Useful links mentioned int he episode are:

Autistic people can often thrive when the right supports are put in place, but it can be extremely difficult to navigate a variety of systems to obtain the help required. For instance, sourcing additional support within the school environment, or into the wider work environment. This episode looks to discuss some of the resources that are available, as well as provide hints and tips around how to access these, along with helpful signposting regarding where else to seek help. Our Guests in This Episode:

Research by auticon reveals that many autistic people in employment choose not to disclose their diagnosis in the workplace. In this episode we look to explore some of the reasons for this, as well as discuss some of the implications that come alongside a working environment in which people do not feel they can be their authentic selves. Our Guests in This Episode:

Many autistic people go through their whole school career without a diagnosis at all. For those who do receive a diagnosis during this time, it can be hard to then obtain additional support that would enable them to thrive. However, in many cases, the support that is available once in adulthood can drop off a cliff. In this episode we look to explore how far things have come and what more can be done in the future to tackle this issue and, ultimately, improve the astonishingly low levels of employment amongst autistic adults. Our Guests in This Episode:

There is a common saying amongst the autism community that ‘if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person’. This episode is designed to interrogate this in more detail and hear from people’s lived experience of autism. This can be particularly useful to understand from the perspective of providing personalised supports in the workplace. Our Guests in This Episode:

With several high-profile women speaking out in the media about their diagnosis of autism in the last few months, it has become increasingly clear that more conversations need to be had about what it means to be an autistic woman. From the way autism presents in women compared with men, to the diagnosis process, through to how autism affects women in their daily lives, there are a great many issues that should be discussed to help pave the way for improvements in the future. Our Guests in This Episode: · Helen Ellis - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society · Carly Jones, MBE – British Autism Advocate · Rachel Rowe - CEO and Founder of Autism Camp Australia

Like many aspects of autism, the benefits of having autistic people in leadership roles is not one that is readily talked about. Yet there are a number of autistic senior leaders who have carved out highly successful and inspirational careers. This episode looks to debunk the myth that autistic people can’t have fulfilling and high-level careers, as well as provide useful insight into how the guests have reached their career goals. Our Guests in This Episode: · Carly Jones, MBE – British Autism Advocate · Megan Tanner, CEO and Founder of the charity Hear Their Roar · Charlotte Valeur, Chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity

Some of the biggest challenges for autistic people in the workplace can be easily overcome with additional support, specifically in the form or a mentor or dedicated contact who is there to advocate for them. This episode is dedicated to celebrating great examples of this and provide advice/ inspiration for those looking to make their workplace more inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent talent. Our Guests in This Episode: · John Bowden – Manager and mentor of Willard Wigan · Lee Hutchison – Job coach at auticon · Dan Jones – Entrepreneur and founder of The Aspie World · Liz Moore – Data Strategy, Engineering, and Governance leader · Willard Wigan, MBE – Microsculptor

Research shows that people with a diagnosis of autism are at an increased risk of some mental health conditions. This means that especially in the workplace, attention needs to be paid to ensure employees do not become overloaded, or suffer from burnout. This episode will shed light on what individuals and employers can do to avoid burnout amongst autistic employees. Our Guests in This Episode: · Helen Ellis - Project Officer, Autistic Employee Experience at The National Autistic Society · Lee Hutchison - Job coach at auticon · Chris Lever - IT consultant at auticon

In business it’s vital to accept that you won’t always know the answers. One of the joys of building businesses and identifying ways to make them successful, is being open to new ideas and insight. It’s also important to accept there will always be things you don’t know and that there is no shame in asking for help from people who know more than you. Business success and creativity depend on it. In this very special episode, Carrie chats with Holly Branson about celebrating the importance of diversity of thought and how to promote it. Holly Branson is the Chief Purpose and Vision Officer on the Virgin leadership team, Chair of Virgin Unite, and Founder and Trustee of Big Change. After achieving medical and physiology degrees and realising her dream of working as a doctor, Holly joined the Virgin Group as a member of the leadership team in 2008. She dedicates her time to her passions: people, purpose, the environment and developing Virgin’s vision of a better future for all, based on: flourishing people, thriving communities, a healthy planet for all and radical collaboration.

At auticon, we believe passionately in the benefits of diversity of thought. By using real life examples, we want to shine a light on the value that autistic people can bring when it comes to fresh perspectives and especially what that means for innovation. Our Guests in This Episode: Shelley Ferris Smith - G Sabini Roberts - Kurt Schöffer -Willard Wigan, MBE -

Often the unique perspective that a diagnosis of autism brings can be intrinsically linked to creativity. However, being autistic and having a career in a creative industry is not something that is commonly talked about. This episode looks to explore why being autistic can lend itself so well to a creative profession, as well as advice from others who have successfully secured creative roles. Our Guests in This Episode: Anne Hegerty - English quizzer and television personality. Since 2010, she has been a "Chaser" on the ITV game show The Chase. Anne was diagnosed as autistic as an adult in 2005 after watching a show about autistic children and recognising their behaviours in herself. Dr Willard Wigan MBE - dyslexic micro sculptor and inspirational speaker who wasn’t diagnosed as autistic until his early 50s. Despite having a very negative experience of the school system, Willard’s work is now owned by household names such as Simon Cowell and Cameron Diaz. Gemma Harvey - freelance actor, writer and independent film & theatre maker. Jules Robertson - actor and son of best-selling author and outspoken comic writer, Kathy Lette. Jules has starred in roles across stage and screen and is best known for playing autistic character, Jason Haynes, in the BBC medical drama, Holby City . Jules was diagnosed as autistic at around the age of 3.