Today, I’d like to talk a bit about some of the work that supporters of #Neurodiversity do. Specifically, I want the world to know just what these individuals do, because I think these people are bloody amazing

I’ll start with @EDalmayne , I mean, what DOESNT she do? Her work against the fake “cures”, her pioneering work in pushing for legislation to protect Autistic Children across the UK and beyond from Abuse is astounding

And the amazing thing is, she does it all, whilst somehow juggling the responsibilities of looking after her family, running @AIMautistic and all the activities they provide, and in all the time I’ve worked with her, she’s never once said no to a request for help

I was at the Parliamentary launch of the report into fake “cures”, and it was a special moment for me to be with Emma, seeing the work she pours so much time and effort into, starting to become a reality.

Next up we have @AnnMemmott , who is one of the leading professionals in her field, and yet does so much of her work in a way that never gives her the recognition she deserves. She has been a great source of advice and encouragement for so many Autistic People

And her work has helped change attitudes towards Autistic People in many ways, and will hopefully continue to do so for the forseeable future.

There’s @_emilyswiatek , who, as well as being an excellent TV presenter, works across the country for the NAS in her day job as an employment consultant for @autism , helping to improve the work environment for Autistic People all across the UK

@milton_damian , who has done sterling work in his role as a researcher, and also his involvement in the National Autistic Taskforce, amongst other things

@KatHumble , someone who brought me into AUK and has helped guide me a lot on this journey, her work with things such as identifying the barriers women face when trying to access diagnostic services, for example, and also all the behind the scenes work she does at AUK

@soundcube for his amazing Artistic Talents, and creative writing, has also been a fantastic source of good advice and knowledge about a wide, wide range of subjects

@AgonyAutie ,for her amazing vlogs, videos, and all the other outstanding content she produces on a wide range of subjects pertaining to Autism and other related subjects, such as accessibility to public transport

And more recently, her amazing contributions to the NHS’ strategic planning, has been worth it’s weight in gold

@Hannahmomi , who was one of the key architects behind #takethemaskoff , amongst other projects, and trends like #doilookautisticyet , for example

@KieranRose7 , another one of the main forces behind the #takethemaskoff campaign, as well as someone who has provided a valuable voice and source of expertise, particularly his work with the Autistic Co-Operative, and his experiences of being an Autistic Parent

@ShonaDav for her academic writing, in particular the AMAZING article she wrote for us at AUK, and some of her other work as an academic has been stupendously good

@Kabieuk , for her amazing work with the ARGH group, and her work in Scotland has been amazing to watch and follow

Sticking with Scotland, we have @CatrionaSScot for her work with SWAN (Scottish Women Autistic Network), and her research work too

In the good aul Emerald Isle, we have @mauracampbell00 , who’s contributions to the ‘Spectrum Women’ book is superb, as well as her work here in NI has been outstanding and a real delight for me to work with

There’s @spacedoutsmiles , who does amazing work on accessibility in his job at the BBC, and his insight and writings about his daily life is a fantastic window into the importance of things such as autonomy

Moving away from the UK, we have @shannonrosa , who’s work on @thinkingautism has been fantastic, and a great source of information and insight into a wide range of topics

You have @aneeman , who, if I listed his work, would take me about half an hour, so I’ll just mention @autselfadvocacy and his long role in it

And on the ASAN theme, there’s @JustStimming who has also been a central figure in the work ASAN has done across the USA

@Samanticka , who has been on the IACC in America and a great representative for Autistic People in the States

@autismage , for the work done and the insight provided into Autism and Ageing, amongst other things

@Girl_by_the_Aga , for her writings about her experience of being diagnosed as an adult, and also her experiences of the challenges that brings with it

@CarlyJonesMBE , for her work on Autism and girls, and her experiences as both an Autistic Woman, and the mum to Autistic girls

@deanbeadleuk for his services to singing, and his work across the country in talking about his experiences

@doodle_beth for her amazing artistic talents, and her artwork that have been a fantastic way of explaining things in a very presentable way (a particular highlight of mine is the language guide)

@GrowingUpAspie_ for his artwork, and his comedic approach to topics that make his work very engaging and a great way of helping people understand!

@AutieAndy for his work across the Greater Manchester area and further afield, visiting various groups and organisations and sharing his knowledge with them

@epballou for her engaging writings on @thinkingautism , amongst other areas

@amorris72103013 , for her work with the Labour Party here in the UK, in particular the Neurodiversity Manifesto

Also have to mention @JanineBooth who has also been very involved in the Manifesto, some fantastic work has been done in that area

@carolinehearst for her work on research into Autism in a wide range of fields

I’ll keep adding to this list periodically, but if there’s anyone who I’ve not mentioned, please add them onto the list, because there’s a lot of people who’s work really deserves to be recognised and appreciated

I’ll start adding part 2 at lunchtime, my brain needs a little break!

Right, Part 2;

Let’s start with @brookewinters33 for her insightful views and also her extraordinary patience when having to constantly deal with the “BAN ALL STRAWS” crusaders

@NeuroRebel for her cool hair, her cool RV, and her videos and nuggets of wisdom

@SheffieldLuke for his amazing teachings, and his Masters course which everyone seems to love!

@autistichoya for her sharp wit, and at times even sharper tongue, who cuts through the BS very quickly

@Sarahmarieob for her new career in conference talks, and her great academic work

@AutismCJS for her amazing work in to Autism and the Criminal Justice System here in the UK

@criptacular for his work with AUK, and his creative talents which are a huge addition!

@LoomesGill for her research work into Autism, and her insight into research! Always very handy, especially for folk like me who aren’t the most academically trained let’s say

@fodderfigure for her dry wit and ability to shut various internet clown folk with quick one-liners

@BeingKaylaSmith for her activism for Autistic POC, and her relentless work on ensuring Autistic POC are always adequately represented

@jdcm555 for his work with the NHS, and also his work on the going gold campaign recently, getting Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to join in

@richardmills18 for his work into Autism Research, and the Westminster Commission

@pgzwicker for her work in Canada, and her relentless advocacy work!

@mindtheflap for her role in the “Are You Autistic” programme a few months ago, amongst other things

@OutFoxgloved for the work done as a playright and poet!

@BadassActivist for her regular videos and live streams!

@ellenfromnowon who does a lot of work around accessibility, and also works a lot with the LGBT+ communitity here in NI

@Fiona_Clarke_ for her work on the harm done to Autistic People by abusive therapies, and her diligence and persistent research and questioning of ABA

@MoniqueCraine for her writings about Neurodiversity, and her experiences!

@JHMarble for his work on employment and innovation, and how Autistic People can be supported and given the chance to thrive in employment

@Richard_Autism for his work on Autism Research

@myautisticdance for creative talent, and the work done at @AIMautistic

@liveotherwise for her work on education, and the insightful blogs!

@invisible_i for her YouTube Channel (I need lessons, incidentally), and her cool merch!

On the subject of youtubing folk, also @Purpleella , but also mention to her offline work and public speaking!