Churchill Fellowship 2023
Uncovering Innovative Social & Employment Opportunities for Autistic Women
Awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2023, I travelled to Toronto, Canada and Arizona, USA, as well as conducting extensive online research, to uncover what innovative opportunities existed for autistic women.
My report took the form of six thematic podcasts. These podcasts were designed to be accessible and give anyone listening, whether they have experience of autism or not, a thought-provoking listen. Tracey Francis (CF 2015) is my wonderful interviewer.
The Churchill Fellowship aims to facilitate worldwide learning to influence change in the UK. I am forever grateful for this life-affirming opportunity; it reignited my love of research and brought about a career pivot to undertaking my PhD.
Ep 1: What’s it All About
The how, why, who, what and where of my Churchill Fellowship, the planning process, objectives, aims and potential impact.
Mentioned: Autism Canada, Arizona State University, Neurodiversity Education Research Centre, Square Peg, SWAN, Visit Mesa.
Ep 2: Stigma & Perpetuated Myths
The context of my research when considering autism; the media, stigma, myths and my ‘marketing department’ analogy to explain why an incomplete understanding of autistic presentation persists.
Mentioned: Autism Alliance Canada, Diverse Minds Magazine, FIS, LIGO Labs (Caltech).
Ep 3: Power of a Passionate Person
Focus on the powerful individuals connecting, championing and striving for change for autistic people plus my round-table with autistic women regarding, employment, networking and challenges..
Mentioned: Dori Zener (Dori Zener & Associates), Adero Allison (Arizona State University), Eliana Bravos (ND Connect), Cat Stewart (SWAN Founder).
Ep 4: Navigating the World of Work
The world of work, some uncomfortable statistics about employment (and some very positive ones too), disclosure, organisational change and autistic women at work specifically.
Mentioned: Ali Dussault (Auticon), Tammy Morris (Ernst & Young), Charlotte Valeur (Institute of Neurodiversity), JP Morgan, Microsoft, Ludmila Preslava, SAP, Radha McCulloch (Specialisterne).
Ep 5: Small Changes, Big Impact
Small changes and easy wins that can make a big difference: one collaborative town creating on-going change; a university’s unique approach and why aspiration is vital when shifting understanding.
Mentioned: Arizona Museum of Natural History, Autism CRC, Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa, I.D.E.A Museum, Mesa Arts, Natalie Lyckowski (IBM), NeuroTalent Works, University of Toronto, Visit Mesa.
Ep 6: The Final Episode
A summary of my key findings relating to: social inclusion; the world of work; and the part universities/colleges should play. I also discuss the impact the Churchill Fellowship has had on me personally and I give some advice for others applying for a Fellowship.
With grateful thanks to…
