SUSTAINABILITY & ESG
“ Masking is something autistic people do to fit in with those around them . It is incredibly draining and exhausting ”
HESTER GRAINGER , CO-FOUNDER , PERFECTLY AUTISTIC
“ When I received the diagnosis it was a huge relief because I could answer the questions I had about myself over the years ,” he says .
“ But it raised a sadness . I didn ’ t know who the real me was . For forty years I ’ d been masking , and making decisions based on what I thought others would do .”
When he gained the courage to share this with his boss , he was met with a crushing reaction : laughter . “ He said , ‘ well you don ’ t look autistic ’,” Kelly recalls . “ I didn ’ t know how to reply , but I knew that I didn ’ t want to continue my career with that company .”
Perfectly Autistic : What their training can teach you Perfectly Autistic offers bespoke solutions that are tailored to the specific culture and needs of every manufacturer .
“ For some an introduction to neurodiversity session works well , whether a lunch and learn or an online webinar ,” says Hester .
“ For others with greater understanding we look to line manager or HR training . We also train neurodivergent managers too .”
Training that focuses on line managers specifically is vital for manufacturers according to Hester and Kelly .
“ They hold a lot of power and can often make changes to a person ’ s
80 January 2025