By Dr Carly Danesh Jones MBE (Neuro-Inclusion Lead at Enna Global)

At the end of each workday, I reflect—usually in a far too warm candlelit bath—on my role as the Neuro-Inclusion Lead at Enna Global. I am deeply aware of the path that has led me here. My journey, which began in challenging circumstances, has been one of continuous struggle, learning, growth, and an ever-deepening commitment to improving the lives of neurodivergent individuals.

My story begins in Bracknell, England. As an undiagnosed autistic teenager, I found myself as a young mother living in a local authority homeless hostel. This early adversity, while difficult, instilled in me a strong work ethic, which later fueled my dedication to addressing neurodiversity, safeguarding, and the intersection of autism with gender and socioeconomic challenges.

The pivotal moment in my journey came when my two children were diagnosed as autistic, followed by my own “Aha!” moment and adult diagnosis. These personal experiences revealed the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals, particularly women and girls who often go undiagnosed or misunderstood.

Since 2008, I have had the privilege of dedicating my life to improving the well-being and outcomes of autistic people. My focus on gender equality in autism stems from my own struggles navigating education, employment, and health systems as an undiagnosed autistic woman. These experiences have driven me to work tirelessly to increase visibility and safeguarding for autistic people through writing, media engagement, and policy advocacy.

In 2014, I was honoured to become the first British autistic woman to address the United Nations on autistic women’s rights. This opportunity allowed me to bring attention to crucial issues on a global stage. Since then, I have continued to represent autistic women in various capacities, including working alongside the UN and providing input on autism and disability rights. I have used my lived experiences to educate others, including training homeless shelters across America and participating in the Australian Autistic Masterclass speaker series.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with many sectors. I have served as the Co-Production Lead for NHS England LDA and chaired the Executive Steering Group for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism pilot. Since 2019, I have also been an Independent Panel Member for the Ministry of Justice, contributing to the recruitment process for senior public appointments.

I have had the opportunity to contribute to policy work published by the UN Office of Human Rights, the Department for Education, and the UK Parliament. Contributing to the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) note on autism was a particularly meaningful experience, as it allowed me to, in some small way, help inform both the House of Lords and House of Commons on these crucial issues.

Having left school in 1997, pregnant at 15 with no GCSEs to my name, I am incredibly grateful for the later life opportunities to engage with academia. I have served as a guest lecturer at universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Sheffield Hallam, Warwick, and Bath Spa. These experiences have allowed me to share insights and potentially influence future professionals in the field of Autism and Neurodiversity.

In the corporate world, I have been privileged to advise large household name companies, which has taught me the importance of bridging the gap between lived experience, research, and practical application in diverse sectors.

Just as every neurodivergent individual’s needs differ, so do each company’s requirements. It is exciting to learn about various organisations and understand what works for them. Identifying the support they need and how talented neurodivergent employees can help achieve their goals is both rewarding and logical.

I have been deeply humbled and surprised by the recognition I have received for my work, including an MBE in 2017 and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Sheffield Hallam University in 2022. These honours serve as reminders of the importance of this work and the need to continue pushing for positive change. They feel more like an invitation to work even harder rather than a pat on the back for what has already been accomplished.

The value of neurodivergent talent being recognised, invited, and included in employment cannot be underestimated—not just for neurodivergent employees, but for companies’ survival and the greater good of advancing society.

My position as the global Neuro-Inclusion Lead for Enna Global feels like a natural progression of my life’s work. It is a role I do not take for granted and take very seriously.

In this role, I have the opportunity to design and deliver training for national and global companies and government departments on neurodiversity. My goal is to help ensure that more companies recognise the value of neurodivergent talent, working to address the concerning statistic that 80% of autistic adults are currently out of employment and only 40% of neurodivergent talent is employed.

My passion for Enna Global’s work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. I navigated the challenges of being an undiagnosed autistic individual. I understand firsthand the barriers neurodivergent people face in education, employment, and society at large. This personal connection drives my determination to create more inclusive environments and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals worldwide.

I recall almost two years ago, while speaking at Cambridge University, seeing a tapestry that read, “Duty is the business end of Justice.” I took a photo to keep on my phone because it resonated with me—it captured exactly why simple awareness will never be enough.

What is the point of decades of advocacy to make neurodivergent people visible if I do not continue the duty to ensure neurodivergent people and all the talents they possess are included and valued in the workplace?

I am acutely aware that there is still much work to be done. I remain committed to doing so through my work at Enna Global. I hope to contribute to creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are not just accommodated but valued and celebrated for their unique contributions to society and the workplace—a world where, one day, not including neurodivergent talent would be absolutely unheard of.

Read more

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Hi, we’re Enna! We connect neurodivergent talent with inclusive employers, offering bespoke, expert neurodiversity training and tailored recruitment support. Want to learn how we can help you or your team? Email hello@enna.org today to find out more about our services.