Autism: In conversation with auticon auticon UK

In this episode the auticon team had the opportunity to 'turn the tables' and interview the host of our podcast series, Carrie Grant MBE.

Carrie - mother to four neurodivergent children and long-time advocate for autistic and neurodivergent people, tells auticon exclusively how she has been diagnosed as autistic (in January 2023).

The award-winning broadcaster, vocal coach, leadership coach tells us about how her diagnosis has lead her to reflect upon her childhood, career, the meaning of the word 'autistic' and what she hopes her diagnosis will mean to others.

Carrie spoke about her decision to use the auticon podcast to share her announcement. She said, “I cannot think of a better group to do this kind of interview with than you guys, because what you are doing is not just life-changing for autistic people (and) therefore life-changing for their families, but actually you are system-changing. And when you get to system changing, that's when you're talking about legacy.”

auticon is an autistic-majority social enterprise. It tackles inequalities in employment for neurodivergent adults by employing autistic IT consultants and placing them into specialist roles within high profile companies. auticon also provides extensive neuroinclusion services, including advisory, coaching and training for its clients and any businesses wishing to become more inclusive workplace environments.

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