Be Part of the Change Episode 10: Autism Awareness Month - with Lydia Williams and Rosie Hart

University of the Built Environment

The built environment comprises a diverse and exciting range of sectors, but there is still a lack of representation at every level. We want this to change.

‘Be Part of the Change’ aims to celebrate the incredible success stories of our under-represented students, apprentices and alumni, as well as highlighting their challenges.

It’s also an opportunity to highlight the positive practices our employers are actioning within their organisations to inspire other companies in their approach.

The tenth episode of the Be Part of the Change podcast has been released in April to mark Autism Awareness Month - a global month of events to increase understanding and acceptance of autism and celebrate the success and achievements of autistic individuals. In this episode, Lydia Williams, Disability Advisor at the University, is joined by Rosie Hart, Group ESG Lead at Cast Group.

Together they discuss how Rosie first discovered she was autistic and how her experiences with neurodiversity have influenced her work in the built environment.

The topics discussed in this episode include

• When did you learn you were autistic and what was the journey to understanding that part of yourself like?
• Were there any challenges that you experienced in relation to your neurodiversity?
• How would you say your autistic identity has influenced your work or continues to influence your work today?
• Have you come across any misconceptions about autism or neurodiversity in general within the built environment?
• Are there any ways that you advocate for yourself and for others in a professional setting?