About the Event
“Neurodiversity is an essential form of human diversity. The idea that there is one ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ type of brain or mind or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is no more valid than the idea that there is one ‘normal’ or ‘right’ gender, race or culture.” - Nick Walker
Autism is a neurological difference which means a person communicates, interacts and understands other people and the world in a different way. This may present an individual with challenges in certain areas, but it can also present strengths and unique talents due to that ability to think differently.
Expectations are growing for organisations to report on, act on, and advocate for Autistic individuals in their workplaces. In the last several years, we have also seen the launch of many 'Autism at Work' programmes from organisations like Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Ford, Google, IBM, JP Morgan, Pfizer, PWC, SAP, Vodafone and many others.
So what might be some of the barriers for Autistic individuals in the workplace? What does an Autism friendly workplace look like in practice? How can I get started in my own organisation? What works and what does not?
With World Autism Month taking place in April, neurodiversity specialists Lexxic and the Business Disability Forum are excited to be partnering for a panel discussion focusing on autism at work.
You will hear from a range of panellists, all autistic, with the goal of challenging stereotypes and sharing good practice examples.
Full details of our panel speakers are below!
Panel Chair | Aidan Healy
Aidan Healy is a Business Psychologist and Chair of Lexxic.
He is on a mission to create a world where all minds belong. A world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the type of brain they have. By celebrating neurodiversity, he believes we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
He has over fifteen years of experience in people development roles holding qualifications in psychology, leadership development and coaching.
Lexxic are a specialist consultancy who are leaders in the field of neurodiversity. With a fifteen-year track record, they partner with organisations, schools, universities, and members of the public to make a positive difference. They create Neurodiversity Smart workplace cultures, high impact training programmes and deliver support services to neurodivergent individuals.
Charlie Hart
Charlie Hart is a CIPD-qualified, experienced HR Analyst, a passionate neurodiversity champion, and a positive visible autistic and pansexual role model.
Charlie was diagnosed autistic in her early 40s and has since promoted neurodiversity acceptance and inclusion, particularly of neurodivergent adults in the professional workplace, with an intersectional approach.
She is an enthusiastic, yet balanced, neurodiversity advocate. Autism is dark clouds with plenty of silver linings to Charlie, not unicorns and rainbows. She loves to create content and deliver presentations about neurodiversity inclusion and intersectionality. Charlie has a strong social media presence under the name Ausome Charlie.
Lee Chambers
Lee is an award-winning psychologist and founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing. He is a National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow and was inducted into the Black Cultural Archives in 2022.
He has been featured in Medical News Today and on the BBC, and is highly regarded for his work on health inequalities and inclusive workplaces. He speaks internationally on a range of topics relating to wellbeing and inclusion, and is the author of the Millennials Guide to Wellness.
Lee is openly autistic and shares his journey to challenge the status quo and inspire the next generation of neurodivergent scientists, entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Lucy Hobbs
Lucy is an AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) Creative Director and Founder of The Future is ND
The Future is ND was founded in 2018 to champion and empower neurodiversity in the Creative and Tech industries, where Lucy has worked as a creative, art director and writer, for three decades for variety of well-known agencies and brands.
Lucy discovered her ADHD in 2007 (and later that she was autistic in 2020), but wouldn’t disclose her neurodivergence at work for fear of stigma in a usually unforgiving industry. But in March 2018 had a change of heart after speaking openly at an industry conference about her ADHD and how it affects her work and life.
At this point she recognised the need to create a safe space for NDs to raise their voices, own their narratives, empower one another to turn up as themselves and thrive. And to collectively overcome stigma and fear of discrimination.
Lucy advocates through a program of regular events, consultancy work, and creative projects – all to educate organisations and society on how to better embrace and support a more neurodiverse workforce and world.
Michael Vermeersch
Michael is Microsoft’s Accessibility Go To Market Manager; his focus is landing Microsoft’s commitment to bridge the “Disability Divide”.
Michael chairs Microsoft’s UK Disability Employee Resource Group and was invited to 10 Downing Street to present his views on bringing disabled talent into work. His personal proudest achievement is having brought Microsoft UK to Disability Confident Leadership status.
Michael received Microsoft’s highest Platinum Club award for his work in disability inclusion. Listed as one of “125 People to follow” on LinkedIn about Diversity and Inclusion, he is in the 2021 Disability Power 100, which celebrates Britain’s most influential disabled people. He was diagnosed as Autistic later in life.