Aut Support Works: Workplace cultures
The question of whether to disclose that you’re autistic at work can be a fraught one – join us today as our two autistic trainers explore how to approach it, and how to better advocate for yourself whether you choose to disclose or not. We’ll be discussing:
- How, when (and if) to disclose your autism diagnosis
- What is self-advocacy?
- Barriers to self-advocacy and how to overcome them
- Communicating effectively and getting your message across
- What to do when things go wrong at work.
This is one of a number of free sessions aiming to empower, educate and increase confidence. You can come along to one session, all of them, or as many as you like.
These sessions are free to attend and are held online via Zoom. They are designed for anyone who would benefit from the opportunity to better understand what it means to be autistic and how to navigate different stages of employment – from applying for jobs to progressing their career. Family members and friends providing informal support to autistic people are also welcome to attend.
We’ll ask you to tell us a little bit about yourself when you sign up to attend. The answers to all these questions will be anonymised and will only be used to make the course fit your needs and for reporting to our funders.
With thanks to our funders, the Scottish Government and the Autistic Adult Support Fund manager, Inspiring Scotland.
Event led by:
Fiona Clarke
Senior Lived Experience Trainer and Peer Facilitator
About FionaFiona is our Senior Lived Experience Trainer and Peer Facilitator. She brings lived experience of multiple neurodivergences. As well as working with employers, Fiona runs peer led courses at Into Work supporting people to better understand what their neurodivergence means for them and to navigate employment.
Fiona is Chair of the Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE) and her wider experience includes being part of the Scottish Government’s Autism Strategy Review Group and working group for the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s “Autism in Adults” (CR 228) guide.
Fiona has a background in banking and finance where she qualified as a chartered accountant, and has worked in the private, public and third sectors.
- Year Joined: 2020
- Secret Talent: Speed typing
- Dream Holiday Destination: Any country with a new culture and dry heat
Louise Stroobant
Lived Experience Trainer and Peer Facilitator
About LouiseLouise is one of our Lived Experience Trainers. She works with employers, employees, and jobseekers. She is also a Peer Facilitator for our peer support courses for autistic people. Supporting people to better understand what being autistic means for them and how to navigate employment.
Louise moved to Scotland in 2019. She used to be a bookseller and ESL High School Teacher in Belgium and France. She joined the third sector upon her arrival in Edinburgh, working in administration and youth work.
Louise has h-Ehlers Danlos and is autistic. She is enthusiastic about lifelong learning and supporting people to reach their own goals.
- Year Joined: 2025
Secret Talent: I am a very good cook and baker! I used to be a pastry chef in another life! - Languages Spoken: English, French and a little bit of Flemish