Roger Tuckett, a member of the QDEG Committee, and whose Concern on "Autism Exclusion" is currently under consideration by York Area Meeting. He presented and led a discussion at a Special Interest Group online meeting on 30th April 2025 in preparation for British Yearly Meeting in May.
"Those who are diagnosed or who identify as Autistic may be acknowledged as such, but are much less understood and accepted and far less included within society as a whole. This needs to be changed. The outcome of autism exclusion is considerable: poor life expectancy, employment possibilities, mental health including suicidality, educational attainment, fragile relationships and much more, Many need support and help, but this need is largely unrecognised and unmet."
Link here to his slide presentation and other background documents
The poem "Listen to the Silence", read out during initial silent worship, is reproduced at the end of the slide presentation.
The presentation concluded with a short (2min) video statement by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester on Neuro-inclusive Employment.
The Quaker Disability Equality Group (QDEG) is a Quaker Recognised Body of Britain Yearly Meeting.
We are working towards the full inclusion of disabled people and carers in all aspects of Quaker life. We see this as part of the Quaker testimony to equality.
We are engaged with other organisations: