Beyond Awareness: Creating Truly Autistic-Friendly Workplaces

Facilitated by Jess Garner | Grove

In this session, Jess will introduce the most up-to-date, affirming autism theory, covering key areas such as Monotropism, the Double Empathy Problem, sensory processing, communication, and social interaction.

She will bring this theory to life by exploring its relevance in real workplace contexts. Together, you’ll consider the barriers Autistic staff may encounter and practical ways to build environments that are friendly, accessible and genuinely supportive — workplaces where Autistic colleagues can feel happier, more understood, and able to thrive.

About the facilitator

Jess is a late-identified Autistic ADHDer, a mum to two neurodivergent children with very different support needs, and a former secondary school teacher. She now leads GROVE, an Autistic-staffed online organisation that supports Autistic young people.

She holds a Masters in Autism (Distinction), where her academic work explored themes such as community connection, developing self-understanding, and nurturing positive identity. Her studies culminated in a unique research project centred on young people’s experiences of joy.

Learn more about GROVE:
https://linktr.ee/gr0ve.org