Autistica

Today I joined 500 delegates in Warsaw at #NeuroShow2024 to talk about the progress we are making in autism and employment. I talked about how... 1. We can empower employers through the recommendations set out in the Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC review, including our Neurodiversity Employers Index which measures how employers are accommodating neurodiversity and how they can in the future. 2. We can empower autistic people by providing the right support and supporting autistic people to advocate for their rights.

Neurodivergence is not a mental health condition, but the lack of understanding and support in the workplace can lead to challenges like stress, anxiety, and burnout for neurodivergent employees. This #WorldMentalHealthDay, it's important to recognise the value of neurodivergent employees and the role inclusive environments play in supporting their mental wellbeing. At Autistica, we provide training to help organisations create neuroinclusive workplaces, ensuring every employee can thrive. Let’s work together to support mental health and embrace neurodiversity in the workplace. #Neurodiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #InclusiveCulture

Our CEO, James Cusack, is at the World Health Organization in Geneva today. He will co-moderate a session on #neurodiversity alongside Susan Daniels as part of the Global Mental Health Forum. Stay tuned for updates on his experience there!

"I left with a renewed understanding of how important it is for us as neurodivergent people to ask openly for what we need." Our Policy Manager, Georgia Harper, joined a panel for the launch of LiveND, a research collaboration exploring live music accessibility for neurodivergent people. In her blog, she shares her experience on the panel and what she learned. Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/eKEq3bzW Georgia explained how music plays a powerful role in her life, helping her manage anxiety and providing sensory joy. The panellists discussed how offering sensory and environmental details in advance can ease much of the anxiety for autistic attendees, though diverse needs mean individuals must advocate for themselves. However, it’s widely recognised that neurodivergent people often face disbelief about their needs. More must be done to support autistic and neurodivergent attendees in a variety of public spaces and events. Despite these challenges, live music remains a cherished experience for many.

We have been receiving some fantastic feedback on our 'Sensory-Inclusive Spaces for Autistic People' course, which we developed in partnership with Autistica. Many people have told us about what they plan to change in their own ways of working and/or environments to be more sensory-inclusive, which is great to hear! Check out the FREE e-training: www.neuinsight.co.uk

We’re thrilled to be a charity partner for #JingleJam2024 and can't wait for you to join us this year! Our amazing Autistica streamers have already raised essential funds to support autistic young people, and we’re excited to do even more together. Get started by opening your Tiltify page and choosing us as your charity to support: https://lnkd.in/dDDnm32

This #SuicidePreventionMonth, discover why autistic people are at higher risk of suicide and how we can better support their mental health to prevent crises. https://lnkd.in/eFEJYYpH

This #SuicidePreventionMonth, it's important to remember that suicide bereavement services are still essential until we can create meaningful change. Read the guide created by the Support After Suicide Partnership aimed at helping professionals support neurodivergent people bereaved by suicide: https://lnkd.in/eJTM9XgK It includes information on how neurodivergent people may react to bereavement, key barriers to accessing support, and guidance for services.

Despite the higher suicide risk among autistic people, the #SuicidePrevention strategy for England: 2023 to 2028 fails to outline concrete, actionable measures to address this urgent issue. That's why we hosted an #AutisticaWebinar with Sarah Cassidy to explore community priorities for suicide prevention, how research has informed the suicide prevention strategy, and how we can advocate for real change. #SuicidePreventionMonth https://lnkd.in/ei5xMwTp

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, Zoe’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health support for autistic people must urgently improve. Her struggles and negative experiences in the hospital are not rare. Mental health services need to offer care that truly understands and meets the unique needs of every autistic person. TW: References to suicide, misdiagnosis, and lack of support from health professionals. Please read the rest of this post with care. Zoe had struggled with her mental health since childhood and was desperate for help. When she admitted herself to the hospital, she hoped for support, but things only got worse. The hospital overlooked her autism diagnosis and misdiagnosed her with a personality disorder, giving her inappropriate treatment. As a result, Zoe’s condition deteriorated, and she developed PTSD from her traumatic experiences. Feeling hopeless, she believed the only way to escape her pain was to end her life. Zoe's mum Jean asks: "When will society wake up to the fact that one life lost is too many, especially when it could have been prevented?" Read Zoe's full story as told by her mum, Jean, below.