“Autism – Driving a Decade of Change”

Sir Robert Buckland QC MP & Dr James Cusack 

I need to declare an interest: my wonderful 10-year-old granddaughter who was born with the rarest of skeletal issues is also autistic. You may recall that we were treated to a brilliant presentation by Sir Robert at the end of November on the role of Lord Chancellor, but you may not be aware Robert has a keen interest in autism too because of his daughter Millie.

People talk about Autism having a wide spectrum but as Leaders we should want to know more and that is why we have invited Dr. James Cusack, Chief Executive of Autistica to advise us.

The more we understand about the critical importance of neurodiversity to the success of society and business, the easier it is to see the role autistic people have, can and will play going forward. James Cusack is not just a successful autism researcher and now CEO, but also autistic himself. He – and the research charity he leads – believes we can create breakthroughs over the next ten years that will address the shocking inequalities autistic people face, enable people thrive in achieving their true potential and create a society where we all embrace the diversity of ways of thinking and seeing the world that make our organisations better.

Biography

James Cusack became chief executive of Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research charity, in 2020 having joined as director of science in 2015. He is the first openly autistic chief executive of a major UK charity.

James is passionate about creating breakthroughs that enable autistic people to thrive. He believes strongly in building breakthroughs through listening to autistic people and their families, thinking carefully about change and how it happens, and undertaking work which is truly innovative and high quality.

As director of science, James established early death in autism as a national priority, developed the UK’s first network for autism research, led a sector-wide exercise on the community’s priorities for autism research, and developed a health checks programme that, if effective, will be offered to every adult in the UK.

Since becoming chief executive, James has established Autistica’s visionary and ambitious 2030 Goals, which have raised the charity’s long-term aspirations for fundraising, as well as building a deep respect for research among critical policy- and decision-makers across government, the civil service and the NHS. This includes having positive influence over the government’s latest autism strategy published in 2021.

As well as having experience in clinical, educational, and social care settings, before joining Autistica, James had a successful career in autism research at the University of Aberdeen.

Proudly Aberdonian, James now lives in Leighton Buzzard with his wife, 2 daughters, and dog, Molly. He enjoys running, football, and making and eating pizza (with varying success).

So, join us for another stimulating and enlightening event. Use the link below to book and as always members are free and non-members £30.