As part of I AM’s mission to celebrate autism with the broader world, we’re happy to present the latest in a series of our ’10 questions with…’ series, featuring neurodiversity and autism advocate and trainer, and I AM technical support expert, Jonathan Cantliff.
1. Can you share your journey as an autistic individual and how it shaped your role as a speaker and advocate for the autism community
I started my journey in autism advocacy after volunteering and later working as a support worker. In this role, I was asked to deliver Autism Awareness training, offering personal insights from my own experience. I absolutely loved doing this—it allowed me to help professionals better understand what it means to be on the spectrum, and the daily challenges we face. It opened their eyes to things they may not have considered before, helping them make more effective adjustments for others on the spectrum.
Diversity and inclusion to me means that EVERYONE is included.
2. What does diversity and inclusion mean to you personally, and how can events like this help create meaningful change?
To me, diversity and inclusion mean that everyone is included—no one is left behind. It’s about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities and rights. Events like this can raise awareness among employers and the public. Sometimes, achieving equality simply requires reasonable adjustments and a bit more support, but that can make all the difference in helping someone reach their goals.
3. In your experience, how can apprenticeships be a bridge to more opportunities for autistic individuals?
Autistic individuals may not always thrive in traditional academic settings, and I know this from personal experience—especially during exams. Apprenticeships, however, offer more hands-on experience, which many of us excel at. While there may still be coursework or exams, the real-world application and support available in these settings often make it a more successful path for us.
4. What inspired you to collaborate with organisations like I AM and the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium for this event?
I AM Autism has been a part of my life since I was 12.5 years old. It’s an honour to represent a charity that has supported me so much. The combination of my parents’ guidance, the charity’s resources, and the support of others has been invaluable. It’s this kind of support that has helped me become who I am today. I want to help ensure others receive the same support, so they can also achieve their aspirations.
5. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an autistic individual in the professional world, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is proving that you’re just as capable as anyone else. Overcoming these hurdles takes perseverance, personal growth, and sometimes, realising that you’re in the wrong role and need to reassess your career path. It’s also vital to have support from colleagues, managers, friends, and family. Their guidance has helped me figure out what I need to do to succeed and move forward.
I don’t believe I would have achieved what I have without the support of services for autistic individuals. The support I’ve received over the years has made me who I am.
6. How do you see the role of companies and leaders in promoting inclusion for autistic individuals in the workplace?
Companies, managers, and leaders must ensure that inclusion is part of every aspect of the organisation. Every team should embrace this mindset. Those working alongside autistic individuals need to commit to ongoing learning and be ready to make reasonable adjustments. Only then can they help autistic individuals reach their full potential.
7. What advice would you give to organisations aiming to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent employees?
- Be prepared to make reasonable adjustments.
- Provide autism-specific training for all employees.
- Be patient—an autistic individual might need processes explained more than once.
- Be clear and direct in communication. Avoid confusing language or idioms, like “it’s raining cats and dogs.” Remember that some individuals on the autism spectrum can take things very literally. Clarify that the individual has understood instructions and what you mean, and what you expect of them.
- Limit distractions—external stimuli can severely impact focus and work output. Help and support the individual to minimise these.
- Expect questions, and offer reassurance. Autistic individuals may become fixated on one task and require support to transition to another.
- Be understanding when it comes to feedback, and support them through mistakes rather than expecting immediate change.
- Expect that criticism may sometimes cause friction or distress. An autistic individual may not fully understand why the process they are following is incorrect. It’s important to provide supportive guidance, helping them grasp the correct process and offering clear explanations about why their current approach isn’t appropriate. Additionally, outline the potential consequences of their actions, ensuring the explanation is constructive and focused on growth rather than blame.
- Expect occasional “meltdowns” – autistic individuals may become overwhelmed more easily than others. Triggers can include factors like workload, personal or family issues, illness, or sensory sensitivities such as bright lights or loud noises. When this happens, offer a safe, quiet space where they can calm down. Keep in mind that calming down may take time, sometimes lasting hours or even days. In some cases, the individual may need to be excused from work for the remainder of the day or shift to fully recover. Be patient and flexible in these situations.
- Expect ‘banter’ to sometimes be misunderstood, and for an autistic individuals to take offence where none was intended. Humour and jokes aren’t always easily understood. On the flip side, an autistic individual might make jokes that seem out of context, inappropriate, or not particularly funny in a given setting. This can lead to confusion, so it’s important to gently explain why their comment might not fit the situation, and encourage them to think before speaking in future.
- Autistic individuals may fall into recurring patterns of behaviour, which can result in repeated mistakes. They’ll often need support and guidance to break these habits, so patience and understanding are key.
- Consistency is important. Changes in routine can be upsetting and disruptive for an autistic individual, so it’s essential to maintain a clear and predictable structure whenever possible
- Autistic individuals might occasionally display behaviour that seems inappropriate or have fewer social filters. It’s important to calmly explain why certain actions or comments are inappropriate and guide them towards understanding and learning what is more acceptable.
8. Can you share a story from your own experience that highlights the impact of support services for autistic individuals?
Without the support services I’ve received over the years, I don’t believe I would have achieved what I have today. These services, combined with the support from my family, friends, and colleagues, have shaped me into the person I am. Without this, I doubt I would have been successful in securing work or participating in autism awareness training. That network of support has been truly life-changing.
Companies, managers, and leaders need to make sure they promote inclusion in all aspects of the company and in all teams.
9. How do you envision the future of diversity and inclusion in Greater Manchester, especially for the autism community?
I hope to see more employers, governments, and members of the public gaining a better understanding of autism. This would pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion, enabling autistic individuals to integrate more fully into society. I also hope it helps autistic people reach their full potential, whether that’s through apprenticeships, education, or employment. Ultimately, I hope to see the stigma surrounding autism fade, and attitudes evolve for the better.
10. What do you hope attendees will take away from the event, especially in terms of connecting the dots between diversity, inclusion, and apprenticeships?
- A deeper understanding of autism and how to support autistic individuals.
- Encouragement to open up apprenticeship opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
- Recognition that working with autistic individuals can be rewarding, and they can be a valuable asset to any team.
- Awareness that more autism training is needed to create supportive environments.
- A clear understanding of the reasonable adjustments required to make workplaces more inclusive.
- Patience and a commitment to supporting autistic employees in the long term.
- Understanding that there may be challenging days, but with knowledge and support, things can work for both the individual and the organisation.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in I AM Profiles, please drop us an email at enquiries@i-am-autism.org.uk
