Autistica

Growing up, the only representation of autistic people Jaja saw in the media was white male scientists. Now, Jaja wants to be the representation they never had. As part of our #AutisticaChangemakers series, Jaja shares how they are making change through representation, coproduction, and discusses their involvement in our hero film Our World, 2030. Read their story: https://lnkd.in/e6fgd8th

Helen Mariner found out she was autistic the week she started a senior role at a new organisation. At first, the thought of revealing her diagnosis to colleagues felt exposing. But she's glad she spoke up, as the team were hugely supportive and excited by the potential of a neurodiverse team. Four years after sharing her diagnosis with her line manager, she is pioneering neuroinclusion at work, co-founding a neurodiversity network, and contributing to the Buckland Review of Autism Employment. Read Helen's employment story: https://lnkd.in/eAGJ4Hji #Neurodiversity #AutismInclusion #WorkplaceNeuroinclusion #Neuroinclusion

The NHS autism assessment waiting list is almost as long as the number of people who attended Glastonbury Festival last year. That's unacceptable. Even after receiving a diagnosis, support for autistic people varies greatly across the country, leaving many without the help they need. This doesn't have to be the case. With the right support, understanding, and adjustments, autistic people can thrive! Help us advocate for better support and faster diagnosis for autistic people by writing to your MP. Use our template and guidance to personalise your letter 📫 Let's make autism diagnosis and support a top priority in the new year. Get your template: https://lnkd.in/ePbku_S8 #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingList #AutismAssessment #AutismDiagnosis #AutismDiagnosisSupport #AutismWaitingList #Autism

The #autism assessment waiting list is now so long that it would take two Wembley Stadiums and a dedicated fan zone to fit everyone currently waiting for support. In June this year, we highlighted part of this shocking statistic in our post, "Broken Britain is especially broken for autistic people." Sadly, six months later, the situation has only worsened - the waiting list is now longer than ever before. This is a reminder of the urgent need for change. Autistic people and their families deserve timely access to the assessments and support they need. #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingTimes #AutismDiagnosis #AutismAssessment

The waiting time to be seen for an autism assessment is try-ing the patience of autistic people and their families. We’re working to *tackle* the autism assessment waiting list. If you or someone you care for is waiting for an assessment, try our free app. We've developed a hub for people to share tips and access evidence-based resources. From tips on diagnosis to navigating sensory challenges – The Autistica Tips Hub offers practical advice to make life a little easier. Try the app: https://lnkd.in/ee6ZYFpJ #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingList

Four Colosseums’ worth of people are currently waiting for an NHS #autism assessment. Although we're comparing the list to historical places, we must remember this is no spectacle. Many people must repeatedly advocate for themselves or their loved ones just to secure a place on the waiting list, often unaware it can take years in some areas. We’re not just calling for urgent reform - we’ve teamed up with other autism charities to research people’s experiences, write to the government, and develop evidence-based strategies for change. Read our joint letter: https://lnkd.in/eAfCrdWJ #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingList

The Financial Times reports that job adverts mentioning terms related to #neurodiversity have increased six-fold since 2019. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀? In the article, the FT highlights the growing recognition of neurodivergent talent and how tools like the Neurodiversity Employers Index (NDEI®) are helping organisations assess their current neuroinclusion practices and providing a roadmap for change. Our chief executive, Dr James Cusack, speaks of the “cascading benefits” of inclusive workplace practices across an organisation and emphasises the need for more organisations to champion workplace #neuroinclusion. However, barriers persist, and James calls for urgent reforms in education, healthcare, and workplace practices to recruit, retain, and support #neurodivergent people. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eWjHz54u

On the 5th day of Christmas, the NHS autism waiting list reveals a staggering reality: it could fill Stamford Bridge five times over. In our recent report, 'Not a Priority: The crisis in autism assessment and support' we found the most frequently reported waiting time for an assessment outcome is 1 to 1.5 years for children. For adults, this rises to 2 to 2.5 years. For football fans: that's longer than the time since Chelsea F.C. Men's team last won a major trophy 🏆 #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingTimes

Did you know the NHS autism assessment waiting list could fill the Lords Cricket Ground six times? 🏏 That’s an absolute sticky wicket* for autistic people and their families left waiting with no answers or support. This broken system must be changed. That’s why we’re tackling this crisis head-on, working with the government to find lasting solutions. *A term used in cricket to describe a difficult situation. #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingList

It’s a big Deal that the NHS autism assessment waiting list is as large as a whole town - let alone seven towns the size of Deal! Autistic people across the UK are being taken for a ride. By supporting research like our public transport study, we can make travel across the country more accessible for neurodivergent people. With your help, everyone can enjoy exploring wonderful places like Deal. Join the Autistica Network: https://lnkd.in/dKjK6FW8 #12DaysOfChristmas #NHSWaitingList