Perspectives on UK university employment from autistic researchers and lecturers

Twelve autistic academics contributed to this small-scale study via questionnaire in response to a Participatory Autism Research Collective (PARC) discussion. PARC is an unfunded autistic-led network of academics and allies. Responses revealed these scholars’ paths through academia to be littered with obstacles. Barriers included convoluted recruitment and administrative processes, insecure contracts, limited induction, ambiguous information, unboundaried communication and sensory overload. Tensions were apparent between the non-discriminatory rhetoric and practical enactment of the Equality Act 2010. PARC was welcomed as an enabler along with supportive colleagues, inclusive, flexible work cultures and some forms of mentoring. Recommendations, potentially generally useful for diverse scholars, policy makers and others able to enact change, are informed by principles of Universal Design (UD) which emphasise valuing, assuming and planning for diversity. These include fair recruitment and contracting, practical inductions, straightforward administration, clear communication and easily accessible services within a positive workplace culture.