As Director of the Institute of Directors in Wales I get to meet and interact with many of the 200,000 plus businesses on my travels up and down Wales and I am also privileged to perform the role of Wales Autism Employment Ambassador.

As Ambassador my message to the business community is that many individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder can make excellent employees and it makes sound commercial sense to give them the opportunity to flourish within a business.

I was therefore particularly delighted to make a presentation on my role to Wales’ Anchor Companies at a recent mini summit at Airbus Defence and Space in Newport.

I outlined my role and also spoke about a new initiative that is being supported by Edwina Hart, the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport.

This initiative involves the establishment of an autism one-stop shop, which will provide employers with tailored advice and support on all aspects of employing those on the autistic spectrum.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Autism Cymru CEO Hugh Morgan, who is generally acknowledged to have taken a lead role in the development of the autism strategy in Wales.

Gwenda Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Social Services and the Welsh Government also deserve praise for the way in which they are addressing these critical issues for those with ASD.

To have the opportunity to speak to the Anchor Companies and to be working on the one-stop shop project with them is of huge significance as they are those within Wales who are part of a global or international organisation or which have a Welsh headquarters or a significant corporate presence in Wales.

This project will therefore focus on changing perceptions at the highest possible levels of business in Wales. If we can get it right with the big companies, then it gives us a better opportunity of cascading this important message throughout businesses up and down Wales.

I’m proud to be working in this role, and if you are in business and would like to simply find out more or to discuss the opportunities of employing someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, please contact me on Robert.LloydGriffiths@iod.com