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About the Event

In support of Autism Month taking place 1st-30th April 2024, we are welcoming a diverse panel of individuals to share their experiences and insights on the value of autism in the workplace.

We'll be joined by panellists representing a range of professions, roles and backgrounds, including autistic individuals who will be sharing their unique strengths and experiences of autism within the workplace.  

We will discuss their journeys to where they are now, the strengths that have propelled them and the bumps they have experienced along the way. 

We will also talk about the people and practices in the workplace that have had a positive impact on their experience, and what more employers can do to support and empower autistic individuals to thrive in the workplace.

There will be some time available for audience Q&A.

Please note, we use Slido in parts throughout our webinars to allow for audience participation. Our event host will provide clear instructions on how to participate, but there is absolutely no pressure to engage if you do not wish to. You will be able to access the Slido questions by using the camera on your phone to scan a QR code which the presenter will share with you, or by visiting www.slido.com and entering a code that the presenter will share with you.

Meet our event panellists:

Panel Chair | Mellissa O’Byrne
Consulting Business Psychologist at Lexxic

Mellissa O'Byrne MA (Hons) MSc GMBPsS, is a Consulting Business Psychologist within Lexxic. She works with organisations on various consultancy projects to support their journey towards neuroinclusion.  Prior to this role, she spent five years within Lexxic supporting individuals on a 121 basis, through assessments, training, and coaching. Mellissa's other professional experience includes management, HR, and recruitment.

Cathy Wassell
CEO at Autistic Girls Network

Cathy is CEO of Autistic Girls Network, a neurodivergent-led charity supporting autistic girls and women, and author of the book Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person. She is neurodivergent herself with a neurodivergent family, and is passionate about improving mental health for autistic people.

Leo Capella
Job Coach at National Autistic Society

Leo's diverse background spans over a decade with the National Autistic Society, working as a Participation Support Officer before becoming a Job Coach within the charity. He’s also worked for Disability Rights UK and within the Environmental Health Department at Uttlesford District Council. Leo specialises in bridging the gap between employers and autistic employees and candidates, facilitating seamless transitions for both employers and autistic employees. He provides essential training and guidance, ensuring employers can make necessary adjustments and supporting employees to reach their full potential in their new roles. Leo's commitment to fostering sustainable workplace relationships earned him the prestigious title of Employee of the Year whilst working as the Autism Access Specialist at NAS in 2019.

Lucy Hobbs
Creative Director and Founder of The Future is ND

Lucy is an AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) Creative Director and Founder of The Future is ND - a platform that celebrates and champions neurodiversity in the creative and tech industries.

Lucy advocates through a program of regular events, keynotes, workshops, consultancy, and creative projects – all to educate and inform organisations and society on how to best embrace and empower a more neurodiverse workforce and world.

Anita Patel
Neurodiversity Coach, Trainer & Speaker

With experience in both Neurodiversity and Education, Anita has a special interest in how neurodivergence in individuals varies when viewed through an intersectional lens - particularly when it comes to presentation. In her coaching sessions with clients, training to organisations and when speaking on a wider scale, she focuses on the removal of barriers to success and adopts a strength-based approach.

Anita is a mum to two neurodivergent boys and received a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD for herself in 2023, after also recovering from cancer. She is passionate about enabling individuals to thrive, rather than simply survive.