Autistica

Our CEO, James Cusack, did a fantastic job on Monday in the House of Lords highlighting the challenges and inequalities autistic people face under the Autism Act 2009. He also outlined some steps the Government could take to improve outcomes for autistic people. You can watch James give his evidence in full by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eUP7xjZ4

It was a pleasure as always to talk transport and sensory design with Altro Global Transport, alongside members of Autistica's Insight Group who made rich contributions on the barriers they face daily in getting around. It was a stark reminder of the everyday calculations we make, without always realising it, to navigate an overwhelming world. (For my part, talking through my reactions and processes out loud really made me realise how much constant temperature chatter is happening in my head!) And more importantly, it was a reminder that design doesn't always have to be the same as what's always been done and that change is often easier than it sounds. A few small differences to the sensory environment or to the information provided can make the difference between a neurodivergent person being stuck at home or being able to travel to work or school, access the services they need, and pursue the hobbies and activities they love. We at Autistica have also been working on tackling barriers to public transport - watch this space!!

Today, our CEO, James Cusack, is giving evidence at the House of Lords. He’ll be answering questions put to him by the Autism Act 2009 Committee, which has been appointed to examine whether the Autism Act and the autism strategy are working, and to make recommendations about what the Government should do next. You can watch it live today from 2.45 pm, James will be live from 3.45 pm: https://lnkd.in/e_n5MMj4 As part of this process, the Committee will make recommendations for improvement to the Act, which the Government will then have to respond to.

Our CEO, James Cusack, is currently at The Zero Project Conference 2025 at the United Nations in Vienna. He's there to talk about the Neurodiversity Employers Index (NDEI) and the work Autistica is doing for autism employment. To find out more, or to watch his fireside chat, check out the #ZeroCon25 website.

A huge thank you to Jeff for completing the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday. Jeff is now the proud owner of the prestigious Six Star Medal for completing marathons in Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, London, Boston and New York. Not long after Jeff found out his son Fred was autistic in 2010, he took on his first 10k challenge. Since then, he has run 13 marathons, including 12 for Autistica and raised over ￡230,000 towards happier, healthier and longer lives for autistic people and their families. Thank you so much, Jeff! ?????

We are devastated by today's BBC news article, but we know that research and campaigning can drive change. - Write to your MP using our template: https://lnkd.in/eHsuUX7X - Contribute to research to improve support services: https://lnkd.in/exFrDPps

When we learned that Dan from Season 3 of The Traitors is autistic, we knew we had to connect him with Tiegan Blackhurst, a deception researcher at Lancaster University. We’re partnered with Tiegan on a project exploring autism, deception, and the criminal justice system. Watch their discussion on autism, deception, and The Traitors. It’s just 30 minutes long and perfect for anyone interested in the real-world implications of misjudging autistic people's truthfulness - no one was banished during filming! Link in the comments ??

Autistic people are more likely to be gender diverse than non-autistic people, so if you're a researcher in this space, it’s important that both you and your work are inclusive. Dr. Emma Nielsen shares practical ways to make research more gender inclusive. You can read the tips in full here: https://lnkd.in/ewqGvPUt

You did it! ?? Our World, 2030 is a finalist in the Smiley Charity Film Awards! We're thrilled to have made it this far, and we can't thank you enough for your support ? Learn more about how we’re creating breakthroughs that enable all autistic people to live happier, healthier, longer lives on our website: https://lnkd.in/eNTw8iyw

There are over 200,000 people waiting for an autism assessment. Your vote for us in Project for Awesome can help improve and develop the support services autistic people access before and after their diagnosis ?? ???????? ???????? ????????, ???????????????? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????????, ???????????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????????. Voting takes just 3 seconds! Vote here: https://lnkd.in/eN8iNRkR Project for Awesome is a yearly livestream fundraiser that raises millions for incredible charities - decided by you!