Autism ‘experts by experience’ deliver neurodiversity training to hospital staff during Autism Acceptance Month

Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) has teamed up with local charities to provide training sessions on autism and other neurodivergent conditions to its staff. 

The training workshops have been launched during World Autism Acceptance Month which raises awareness and acceptance of autism, to help create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.

Autism is a neurological condition that can shape how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. In the UK, more than 1 in 100 people are autistic.

Wirral-based charity Autism Together has provided tailored training workshops to help WUTH staff understand the challenges faced by autistic people, both patients and staff, so that they can take actions to better support them. The training includes two autistic people as experts by experience, Lauren and Liam, who share experiences of how autism affects their lives, giving their personal accounts of how it can affect them each day.

The Brain Charity has delivered training for managers on neurodiversity, helping them understand how conditions such as autism spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia can affect how people think, learn, and work, and how these differences can be strengths in the workplace.

Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent, and these sessions aim to equip leaders with the tools to support diverse talent and create inclusive teams.

One of the key messages in the training is that autistic and other neurodivergent people do not all experience the same challenges, so finding out the needs of each person is essential to giving them the right support.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive said: “We are committed to improving patient experience and empowering our neurodivergent staff, and we are delighted to have the support of Autism Together and The Brain Charity.

The Trust has already put in place several initiatives to support patients with autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

It has appointed two new specialist nurses to its Safeguarding and Complex Care Team, implemented mandatory training for employees to help them understand and meet the needs of autistic people, and launched a sensory care bag initiative to offer comfort and reduce stress for people with autism and learning disabilities in the emergency department and admission units. It also provides a carer’s passport providing a route to additional support and information.

Janelle added: “We recognise that neurodivergent staff bring a range of skills and strengths to the workforce. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for all our staff.”

Helen Bilton, Autism Together’s Director of People and Culture, said: “We are proud to be sharing our expertise with WUTH during Autism Acceptance Month. This important training will benefit both staff and patients when accessing clinical services, and demonstrates our charity’s commitment to improving care quality and accessibility.”

ENDS

Photo: Lauren and Liam, two ‘experts by experience’ from Autism Together who delivered part of the training