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ASKED to sum up what her job is all about, Kerrie Highcock reflects for a second and then describes her overriding objective in a simple yet profound sentence: “Ultimately, bit by bit, it’s about making the world a better place.”

Kerrie is at the heart of a pioneering initiative aimed at raising awareness of autism, and other neurodiverse conditions, through bespoke training for a wide range of businesses and organisations.

The Autism and Neurodiversity Academy (ANDA) was launched last November by the North East Autism Society (NEAS) to formalise and develop training that was already being provided to organisations across the region. The intention is for ANDA to become the go-to training provider for any employer wishing to have a greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity.

Having worked for NEAS for ten years – first as community services co-ordinator and progressing to the role of family Development Manager – Kerrie is acutely aware of the need to raise awareness and equip employers to deal with issues relating to autism and neurodiversity.

“It’s such a vast area that affects so many people in unique ways, so there’s a huge need to supply the training and give employers a greater understanding,” says Kerrie.

One of the main aims of NEAS is to get more autistic people into employment and to highlight the qualities they can bring to organisations, so training is fundamental to the charity’s future.

The academy offers Level One accredited courses in “Neurodiversity: Professional Practice Skills” and “Autism and Diversity”, with both units based on 27 guided learning hours, flexible enough to fit any organisation across multiple sectors, and capable of being delivered in the workplace.

The training covers an introduction to autism, autism awareness, sensory differences in autism, communication differences, cognition in autism, and emotional wellbeing.

“It’s a platform to develop and deliver innovative training across a variety of sectors, with a team of trainers who have the expertise and flexibility to go wherever the need is,” explains Kerrie.

Dozens of organisations in the North-East have already benefited from the training, including:

NEWCASTLE

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The academy delivered training for the airport’s passenger support assistants and one of the outcomes has been the introduction of an “Autism Passport” enabling passengers with neurodiverse conditions to be fast-tracked through security and onto the aircraft, either first or last, depending on what makes them feel more comfortable.

A “Social Storybook” has also been developed, alongside an activity book, to help autistic passengers understand what to expect when travelling by air. Meanwhile, the momentum is continuing with discussions around creating a ground-breaking sensory space at the airport for autistic passengers.

One passenger assistant, who underwent the training, says: “This training gave me a real insight into how people with autism may feel in a busy airport. It will definitely change my practice and get me to think more about why people may be behaving in a certain way.”

A specialist nurse at the airport, adds: “From this training I have gained a massive increase in my knowledge, which will help me to deliver care in a more effective way. It was really interesting and extremely informative. I also liked that it was interactive, and I had the opportunity to participate.”

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE

NEAS began working with Sunderland’s popular theatre five years ago, training front-of-house staff as well as the customer experience team, and the partnership has been accelerated since the launch of the academy.

As a result of the training, the theatre introduced “relaxed performances” of a range of shows, including the pantomime. These performances are staged in a much more informal environment, with audience members allowed to move round the auditorium, and adjustments being made to lighting and sound.

Even the script is modified, and the Empire has gone as far as launching its own drama group for people with autism and associated conditions. Anthony Hope, Creative Learning and Community Partnerships Manager at Sunderland Empire, says the partnership with NEAS has made a real difference to not only day to day practice but to the overall strategic planning of the theatre.

“We’ve worked closely to ensure the principles of access for individuals with autism have been embedded into everything we do. It’s brilliant we are able to work with NEAS to look at innovative projects and ensure we are meeting the needs of people across the region,” says Anthony.

“Our close consultation ensures that we are up to date with current practice, and thinking in relation to the field of autism, and we see this embedded within all daily working practices.”

THE SAGE, GATESHEAD

This is another high-profile cultural venue and NEAS delivers a range of training to musicians, front-of-house staff, programme leaders and managers.

Like the Sunderland Empire, relaxed performances have resulted from the training, including one this year by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

“It was wonderful to see audience members sitting on bean-bags and being themselves, rather than worrying about the usual formalities of a music concert,” says Kerrie.

Another creative consequence of the training was a partnership between The Sage and the Great North Children’s Hospital, which led to a music group for children with autism being launched.

Wendy Smith, director of learning at The Sage, says: “This training has really helped to change my practice and has developed my knowledge about creating and developing relaxed programmes and events. It has increased my confidence and has really helped me consider how the environment can have a massive impact on people.”

THE CORNMILL SHOPPING CENTRE IN DARLINGTON

After retail and security staff received the training, Darlington’s main shopping centre introduced a “Quiet Hour” on Sunday mornings once a month to enable people affected by autism to shop in a more relaxed way. Music was turned off, along with children’s rides, and lighting was adjusted. It was so successful that the Quiet Hour is now weekly.

“The training completely changed our perception and understanding of the needs of autistic people and we want to continue to make changes for the better,” says Susan Young, Cornmill Centre manager.

THE CENTRE FOR LIFE,

NEWCASTLE

A major training programme is underway around access, with an autistic focus group providing invaluable feedback. Group members attend exhibitions and events every month and provide guidance about potential changes. The initiative is leading up to an autism-friendly day next year.

Other high-profile organisations to benefit from the training include: The Stadium of Light; St James’ Park; Beamish Museum; Durham Constabulary; The Gala Theatre, Durham; Darlington Hippodrome; Northern Stage; Tyneside Cinema; The Baltic, Gateshead; Sunderland Clinical Commission Group; Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead; Frankland Prison; the National Careers Service; Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington; Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland; The Galleries Shopping Centre, Washington; Pikku Children’s Clothes Company; Seaham Hall Spa; Mind Washington; Consett Leisure Centre; Spectrum Leisure Centre; Durham Library Service; Diggerland; Killhope Lead Mining Museum; Durham, Newcastle and Stockton Job Centres.

The training is not only guiding existing staff but employers of the future. For example, social work students at Sunderland University have had the training, with one student saying: “This really put things into perspective for me, I think all social work students should attend.”

As the academy approaches its first anniversary, much has been achieved, but Kerrie Highcock is the first to admit that there’s a long way to go. Indeed, the aspiration is for the Autism and Neurodiversity Academy to become a national resource as well as raising awareness closer to home here in the North-East.

“The scope is never ending so we’ll go anywhere to deliver training,” says Kerrie. “Often, it’s about making small adjustments so the culture gradually evolves, leading to greater understanding, awareness, and acceptance of people with autism.”

Bit by bit, it’s about changing the world.

n To find out more about the training, go to www.anda.org.uk, telephone 0191-410 -9974, or email info@anda.org.uk.