A new partnership

As we draw to the end of World Autism Acceptance Month, we are really pleased that Curve Workplaces, Furniture Forum, and Forum Lighting are now committed to helping to lead the acceptance of autism in our society all-year-round. We are partnering with Ambitious about Autism the national charity that is standing with autistic children and young people – with a core vision of a future where every autistic child and young person can be themselves and realise their ambitions. “There are so many families like mine who live daily with both the joys and the challenges of having autism in their lives.” Said Curve Managing Director, Michael Potter MRICS.“Autistic children and young people continue to be disadvantaged by a lack of understanding and acceptance.” He added. These headline facts from Ambitious about Autism stand out:

- Just 29% of autistic people are in full-time or part-time employment which is the lowest rate of all disabled groups

- Nearly 90% of U-18s are waiting longer than the NHS 13-week deadline for an autism diagnosis

- 4 out of 5 young autistic people have mental health conditions

- Autistic pupils are twice as likely to be regularly, and unlawfully, excluded from school as their peers

- 70% of autistic young people fear discrimination if they disclose to employers that they are autistic

- 79% of autistic people say they are socially isolated because of a lack of understanding

“It is wonderful to launch this partnership. It will enable my colleagues and our wider partner community to help make progress against these statistics with the variety of all-year-round initiatives that we are developing together.” Said Michael.

‍Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as Curve Workplace’s charity of the year. Through their generous support we will raise vital funds to support autistic children and young people to be themselves and realise their ambitions, while also increasing understanding and support for autistic people in the construction industry.”