Autistic Pride Day 2021

June 18^th 2021 marks Autistic Pride Day, in which Young Rail Professionals is proud to support our autistic railway family members and others around the world. Showing acceptance for autistic people is hugely important to enable them to thrive in their lives and careers.

With a diagnosis comes many mixed emotions. Living in a world that, for decades, has carried so many negative connotations and stereotypes, can hugely impact upon one’s confidence. This in turn can make someone feel like the opportunities available to them will decrease significantly because of their diagnosis.

However, showing solidarity, and obtaining a more accurate and realistic understanding of the autistic spectrum, can help further the progress already made in supporting the inclusion of autistic people in both the rail industry and wider society. In an industry that is constantly striving for better, recognising potential in autistic people, with no pre-conceptions based on stereotypes and caricatures, will be beneficial not only for autistic people but also for you, your team, your organisation, and the rail industry.

Young Rail Professionals is dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and including autistic people and other neurodiverse talent in joining our organisation and supporting the work we do. We will remain advocates for the inclusion of neurodiverse people within the rail industry.

Here are some resources on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories
• International Day of People with Disabilities - Young Rail Professionals
• Autism - NHS (www.nhs.uk)