2023-03-30 12:02:50
‘Just because I have autism doesn’t mean I can’t do anything I set my mind to’ – Erin’s powerful call for change for autistic and learning disabled people
A Supported Employment Advocate for learning disability charity Hft, Erin, is sharing her experiences as an autistic person ahead of World Autism Awareness Day this Sunday (2 April). With the employment rate for learning disabled people sitting at just 4.8%, Erin is speaking out about the change she wants to see in politics, society and beyond for autistic and learning disabled people.
Erin was diagnosed with autism when she was fourteen years old after been referred to the NHS’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services by her GP due to her finding school “incredibly difficult”. She recognises that, had she been diagnosed earlier, she might have had the support she needed growing up.
Now, as an adult, Erin is hoping to raise awareness of autism and learning disabilities by sharing her own experiences. She says:
“I think my autism makes me a really passionate and motivated person. I like to think outside of the box which means I’m quite creative and think about the bigger picture when completing a task.
“Like lots of other autistic people, I have a really great long-term memory which really helps me in my job because I have lots of things that I need to remember!
“I’m also very compassionate which helps me to have empathy for the people that we support. I think having autism really helps me to understand people and it drives me to want the best for them.
“I do really love my job. I enjoy meeting with people we support and doing case studies to showcase their strengths and what they can bring to a workplace. I also enjoy going to different events to shout from the rooftop about the amazing work Hft does and breaking down barriers around hiring people with learning disabilities and autism.”
Just last month, Erin attended the Parliamentary launch of Hft’s new campaigning plan, Voices for Our Future. This was an opportunity for Erin to discuss with MPs one of the four areas the charity will campaign on over the next five years – employment and the barriers facing autistic and learning disabled people.
Erin continues, “One of the things I hear a lot about autistic people is that they can be really dedicated which I think employers appreciate. I have a really strong moral code and sense of justice which is why I really enjoyed going to Parliament and why I’m doing the job that I’m doing; I really want to help make things better for people.
“The launch was a once in a lifetime experience – I really do hope MPs listen to our voices and want to be part of positive change! I’d like to see more learning disabled people and autistic people get the right support when they’re looking for work and when they’re in work.”
Erin wants to raise awareness of the challenges facing learning disabled and autistic adults, particularly highlighting how change can be implemented to allow for greater employment opportunities.
She says, “Lack of awareness and understanding about autism is a big challenge. To improve this, people need to have open and honest conversations with autistic people, and not be scared to ask questions, as this helps to grow better relationships with each other.
“In schools, teachers need to have more training to help them understand our needs better. There is a negative stigma attached to autism: in the past, people have questioned whether I actually have autism and have said, “you don’t look autistic”. I would say to them, what does autism look like? No two autistic people are the same – just because you know one autistic person doesn’t mean you know everyone with autism.
Having first-hand experience of these challenges, Erin is calling on the Government to implement meaningful change. She would like to see disability awareness training made readily available so employers can recognise the potential of all people with a learning disability and autism. She would also like changes to be made to the education system to better support people.
“We also need to receive sufficient funding so roles like mine can continue. This is so important because it really does help people to stay in employment and changes employers’ attitudes towards people with learning disabilities,” she adds.
Erin concludes, “I hope I can be a voice for other autistic people and show you shouldn’t let your disability stop you from achieving anything you want in life.
“People should never underestimate what someone with autism, or any disability, is capable of. Just because they have autism or a disability doesn’t mean they can’t do anything they set their mind to, and achieve their dreams or aspirations!”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
