Autism: In conversation with auticon

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: Nadia Dillion – Tech specialist and social media influencer @BlackAutisticGirl Luke Seraphin – Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Content and Sky Studios

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: Stephanie De Kramer – IT specialist, former auticon consultant and semi-pro wrestler Bridget Young – Head Teacher at The Holmewood School Zoey Clenshaw – Operations Executive at Harry Specters Chocolate

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: Louise Chandler- Student and social media influencer aka 'Autistic Lou' Russ Botting – Lead Job Coach at auticon Dr Kath Fielder – GP & Clinician at Neurospectrum Useful links mentioned int he episode are: NICE guidance for over 18s autism diagnosis - https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142 NICE guidance for under 19s autism diagnosis - https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128 Girls and Autism: Flying Under The Radar (free downloadable leaflet) - https://nasen.org.uk/resources/girls-and-autism-flying-under-radar M-Chat - https://mchatscreen.com Autism Q-10 - https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/tests/autism-spectrum-quotient-10-items-aq-10-adult/ Right to Choose ASD - https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose-asd/ Right to Choose ADHD - https://psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose/ Access to Work - https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work Voice Ability - https://www.voiceability.org ASAN - https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/about-autism/ Ambitious About Autism - https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

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: Catriona Stewart OBE – Academic researcher, autism advisor and assessor Sunil Choti – SEN consultant Susanna Fantoni - Autsim campaigner Renato Fantoni - Father of Susanna

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: Phillip Scott - Responsible Business Manager at Deloitte Malcolm Chambers - IT consultant at auticon Callum Howes - Writer and content creator aka Autistic Callum

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: Charlotte Bergslien – Content creator, writer and speaker aka @TheSpectrumGirl Steve Hill – Commercial Director at auticon Ben Pearson – Entrepreneur, founder of Big Clothing 4 U and Dragon’s Den success story Cheney Ray aka Cray, Singer/songwriter, DJ, gamer and social media influencer

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: Anna Kennedy, OBE Mark Blakey – CEO of Autism Parenting magazine Andrew Crosbie - Volunteer Co-chairperson of the South Lanarkshire branch of the National Autistic Society Wendy Flewitt - Transitions Support Service Coordinator for England at the National Autistic Society     

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 - Regional Lead DEIB EMEA at Zurich Insurance Group G Sabini Roberts - LGBTQIA+ Trainer, Activist & Entrepreneur Kurt Schöffer - Global CEO of auticon Willard Wigan, MBE - Micro-sculptor

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.

In this episode, Carrie has a chat with the celebrated, best-selling author and outspoken comic writer, Kathy Lette. Kathy has an inimitable take on serious current issues and she Carrie in a special 1-1 episode, where they share experiences of parenting autistic children. Parenting a child who is autistic can take families on an unexpected journey, from receiving a diagnosis, to adapting parenting styles accordingly, to acting as your child’s advocate to get the support they need. These standalone episodes look to focus on stories of individual parents who have raised autistic children, giving a voice to their experiences.

Parenting a child who is autistic can take families on an unexpected journey, from receiving a diagnosis, to adapting parenting styles accordingly, to acting as your child’s advocate to get the support they need. These standalone episodes look to focus on stories of individual parents who have raised autistic children, giving a voice to their experiences.

Lots of organisations are aware of the benefits of employing a diverse workforce. When it comes to accessing autistic talent, making reasonable accomodations can be key to creating a working environment that is conducive to maximising their abilities. This episode aims to help listeners understand what is meant by reasonable accomodations in the workplace and the impact they can have. Our Guests in This Episode: Clementina Galli-Zugaro – Senior Job coach at auticon Connor Ward – autistic speaker, consultant and social media content creator Helen Ellis – Equality, diversity and inclusion co-ordinator at the National Autistic Society Gemma Harvey – Creative enabler and film maker

Having one of more family members with a diagnosis of autism can be formative for everyone, affecting each family member in different ways. This episode aims to hear the lived experiences of our guests and how having autistic sibling has shaped their lives. Our Guests in This Episode: Olive Gray - an English actor known for portraying Miranda Keys in Halo, the Paramount+ show adapted from the hit video game series and Mia Stone, in the children's television series Half Moon Investigations.  Rachel Hammond - Theatre maker Tim Nicholls - Head of Policy at the National Autistic Society.

Being a parent of an autistic child is often commonly talked about, but being a parent who is autistic is less commonly discussed. This episode aims to shed light on the realities of parenting when you have a diagnosis of autism and offer signposting to support for those who may also find themselves in the same position. Our Guests in This Episode: · Chris Lever - a parent and IT consultant for auticon · G Sabini Roberts - LGBTQ+ Trainer, Activist & Entrepreneur who is a parent to four children · Megan Tanner - a parenting and communication consultant, foster carer and charity founder

We are seeing an increasing number of instances of a diagnosis of autism coming later on in life. This episode aims to hear from those who have had direct experience of this and explore what can be done about this in the future.