Tell us a little bit about your business 

Founded in 1968, Autism Unlimited is a registered charity which supports
neurodivergent individuals, promoting equal opportunities and acceptance of unique
talents. We offer external training to help organisations in public, private, charity, and
educational sectors understand neurodiversity, aiming to reshape perceptions and
improve inclusion for the neurodivergent community in the workplace.

What are some of the most popular services that you provide?
We offer bespoke, interactive training on neurodiversity across various formats,
including e-learning, online and in-person workshops. Our neurodivergent trainers
co-produce each course, ensuring authenticity and impact.
Accredited by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, our
sessions cover topics like ‘Understanding Autism’, ‘Recruiting Neurodivergent
Talent’, and ‘Inclusive Team Dynamics’.
Our training provides an insight into how neurodivergent people see the world,
assists learners in developing an appreciation for different skills and talents, and
encourages employers to expand their talent pool to embrace an inclusive
workplace.
All courses are designed for neurotypical and neurodivergent learners and 100% of
learners advise that their knowledge and awareness of neurodiversity increased from
the training received by Autism Unlimited.

 Has there been a particular business highlight this year?

This year we introduced training breakfasts in Bournemouth as an opportunity for
local businesses and charities to learn more about neurodiversity in the workplace.
These have all been a great success and we plan to replicate these in Southampton
for 2025… save the date, 4 th of March at Southampton Football Club.

 What do you enjoy most about networking?
Meeting new people, learning about different businesses and finding out what is new
in our business community

What do you love about working in the geographical area that you work?
The opportunities! Dorset is diverse, creative and full of potential.

When you’re not busy working, what do you like to do in your spare
time?
This year has mainly been spent on house renovation and having some lovely short
breaks with my family to Venice, Edinburgh and Majorca – we are very lucky to have
Bournemouth and Southampton airport close by. I also part own and manage
Coastal Picnics Co. with two friends, providing pop up grazing picnics on our beautiful
local beaches – ideal for family gatherings, birthday parties or romantic gestures

What are your favourite places to visit locally?
We are spoilt for choice… I would go with a morning dog walk along The North
Dorset Trailway, an afternoon admiring the artwork at Sculpture by the Lakes,
sundowner drinks at Mudeford Spit.

 Tell us any other interesting facts about you that you think people would
like to know…
Some keys facts about neurodiversity:

• 1 in 5 people in the UK are diagnosed as neurodivergent
•  30-40% of neurodivergent people in the UK are unemployed … however they
  want to work!
•  What does Richard Branson, Jo Malone and Walt Disney all have in
  common? They are/were neurodivergent.