What is autism? 

Autism is a neurological condition that affects the way people think, communicate, and feel. It exists on a spectrum, and there are no two autistic people who present in the exact same way. Autistic people may interpret social cues or sensory processing in a unique way to neurotypical people.  

A common misconception is that autism is a disease or prevents people from living a fulfilling life. For most autistic people, that couldn’t be further from the truth! While their brain may work a bit differently, they have the same desires as neurotypical people to make connections with others, gain a quality education, and find a career they enjoy. 

Autism is something that can impact anyone – children or adults, males or females, people of any race. According to the National Autistic Society, more than 1 in 100 people are autistic, and there are more than 700,000 autistic people in the UK. The rates of autism have been slowly increasing in recent years, but that’s not because more people are being affected – resources are simply getting better, and professionals are learning more about the many ways autism can present in different people. 

Understanding the Ways Autism May Impact Education and Employment 

Autism and neurodivergence bring unique strengths and thought processes to educational settings and workplaces. They may have a different style of working compared to their neurotypical classmates or colleagues. It could lead to struggles with things like communication, dealing with change, or fatigue and stress from masking their neurodivergent traits. But there are also many advantages that autistic people may experience in an education or work environment, such as: 

• Strong attention to detail 
• Ability to go into deep focus while working on a project 
• Excellent problem-solving skills 
• Providing different perspectives 
• Strong sense of social justice and fairness 

Central YMCA’s Commitment to Fostering Inclusivity 

We are fully committed to helping all people, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Our commitment to supporting neurodivergence is particularly evident in our education and training programmes. Many of our previous and current learners are on one of the neurodivergent spectrums, including autism as well as conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia. 

We want everyone to have the tools they need to succeed, and for our neurodivergent learners, this may include making additional accommodations or creating an individualised plan to meet their specific needs. 

One of our tutors Helen says, “To support neurodivergent learners we offer additional support sessions with the Learning Support Tutors. We put together an individualised Support Plan for each learner, based around a detailed discussion with them and them identifying areas they want to work on.  The support sessions focus on areas ranging from study skills to pastoral support. We introduce the learner to different strategies that are transferable to support them with their apprenticeship and in their personal lives.” 

This kind of support is huge to our learners who need it! One of our recent apprentices said, “I speak for myself here, but I reckon many other apprentices would agree that you all go above and beyond for us – from booking and attending meetings to sending us help or even just being available to have a chat about how things are going. It all matters and means something… I couldn’t have asked for a better support group.” 

Alongside our education programmes, our commitment to supporting neurodivergence extends to all corners of our Charity. We offer similar accommodations for neurodivergent learners in our YMCAfit fitness training programmes, and we ensure our staff members feel well-supported and have the tools they need to do their best work. 

Breaking Down Barriers in Education and Work Environments 

The best way to encourage a future that embraces neurodiversity is for organisations to advocate for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Here are some ideas on how to create an inclusive workspace: 

• Create an open and accepting environment where people feel like they can be themselves and where neurodivergent people will feel comfortable sharing their diagnosis. 
• Make sure your company’s DEI statement and policies are up to date to include wording around neurodiversity. 
• Allow for adjustments to prevent sensory overload for neurodiverse employees who may be sensitive to noise, light, or crowded spaces. This may include providing noise-cancelling headphones, creating a workspace in a quiet corner away from distracting spots like the kitchen or meeting points, or having a flexible policy around hybrid working. These adjustments will be different for every neurodiverse person – chat with them to see what could be done to help them do their best work. 
• Many autistic people struggle with change, so it can be extremely helpful to stick to a routine where possible. 
• Clear communication is key when it comes to setting expectations around tasks and deadlines. 
• Provide regular feedback on performance and check in with neurodiverse employees regularly to ensure their needs are being met. 

Awareness is just the first step – action is what will truly lead to the full acceptance and understanding of autistic and neurodivergent people! We all have a role to play, and together we can create an incredible future where neurodivergence is celebrated and valued within educational and work settings as well as all other aspects of society. 

What inspired you to join Central YMCA, and what has kept you here for so many years? 

I was drawn to Central YMCA because of its mission to empower people through health, and education. As a designer, I wanted my work to have a real impact, not just look good. The idea that my creative skills could help promote well-being and make a difference in people’s lives was really appealing.  

What’s kept me here is that sense of purpose. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work on meaningful campaigns that encourage people to take care of their health, physically and mentally. The team here is also a big part of it. There’s a strong sense of collaboration and shared values, which makes it a great environment to grow both professionally and personally. 

What progress have you seen for women in your industry, and what changes would you like to see next? 

There’s definitely been progress, more women are stepping into leadership roles in design and creative industries, and there’s greater recognition of the value we bring beyond execution. The industry is also becoming more aware of the need for diverse perspectives, which is great to see.   

But there’s still a long way to go. Pay gaps, underrepresentation in executive roles, and the challenge of balancing career growth with personal life are still big issues. I’d love to see more mentorship programmes for women, better access to leadership training, and real commitment to pay equity. It’s also important to create spaces where women feel comfortable speaking up and where their ideas are taken seriously. 

How can organisations like Central YMCA continue to champion gender equality and female leadership? 

Organisations like Central YMCA can champion gender equality by actively supporting women in leadership through mentorship, training, and fair career opportunities. Policies that promote work-life balance such as flexible working, parental leave, and menopause support help create an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Ensuring diverse representation at all levels and fostering a culture where female voices are heard and valued is essential. Seeing more women in leadership roles reinforces that success is not the exception but the standard. 

Thank you so much to Amaya for sharing her experience! 

If you’re feeling inspired by Amaya’s experience working for Central YMCA and would like to work in a field where you can positively impact the lives of others, we regularly hire for new roles in different areas of the business. Keep an eye on our job postings if you would be interested in joining the Central YMCA family! 

What inspired you to join Central YMCA, and what has kept you here for so many years? 

I joined Central YMCA a few years after finishing university. After working in an orphanage in Bolivia, I felt driven to work for an organisation with a social purpose that made a difference to society. 

I started in a junior role and have since worked in a variety of roles, each with their own opportunities and challenges. I feel really lucky to have been given exposure to many different parts of the organisation early on in my career and this helped me to understand where my strengths lie and what I am not cut out for! Working with some amazing people along the way and having no day the same has made the time fly by and I can’t believe it has been over 16 years already! 

Have you had any female mentors or role models who influenced your journey? 

I had an incredible female manager at one point whilst with Central YMCA who really supported me in my career choices and helped me to progress. The ability to see women in leadership roles (with the previous two CEOs being female, alongside many Heads and managers) also helped me to see that this was a path I could take.  

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to step into leadership positions? 

Personally, I found investing in my own development really important when starting out and creating my own opportunities to learn, both inside and outside of the organisation. This doesn’t necessarily mean formal learning, as whilst I have hugely valued training and development opportunities over the years, I have also learnt so much from the free opportunities available to the charity sector. 

I have less time to do this now, but I found attending free events and seminars and joining sector related membership bodies gave me so much insight and a great sense of connection, particularly as some of my roles have been fairly isolated and I wasn’t part of a wider team. 

Learning from other organisations has also been really important for me to get new ideas and think about how we can do things differently. I also love a podcast! There is so much information available to us now, I guess it’s about deciding what’s important and what will give you new insight.  

Thank you so much to Naomi for sharing her experience! 

If you’re feeling inspired by Naomi’s experience working for Central YMCA and would like to work in a field where you can positively impact the lives of others, we regularly hire for new roles in different areas of the business. Keep an eye on our job postings if you would be interested in joining the Central YMCA family! 

What inspired you to join Central YMCA, and what has kept you here for so many years? 

I previously worked as a retail manager and within my store in Doncaster, I supported YMCA with offering work placements for their students.  I loved supporting these students and giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, feel valued and raise their aspirations. This made me look at my career and whether I felt fulfilled – which I didn’t.  Luckily, an opportunity came up to work at YMCA, as a Training Advisor. I decided to take the chance and apply for the role, which I was offered.  My role at YMCA has changed over the 17 years I have been here, but in each role, I have felt a sense of achievement – not necessarily my own achievement but the joy of seeing the young people I work with achieve.  I stay in the company because I don’t feel that it is a job – this is who I am now. YMCA is in my blood I just love to help young people and raise their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. 

Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today? 

There have been a lot of moments within my career at YMCA that have shaped who I am today. I remember the first time one of my learners gained an apprenticeship – I felt so proud and realised that this was such a rewarding role to have. This learner had been brought up in the care sector and had seen things that a young person should never see. When I first met them, they had a drug problem and had no self-esteem or aspirations – they felt useless. The joy and sense of achievement they felt when they were offered this apprenticeship was amazing, and that feeling has stayed with me from then. From this moment I realised that I can make a difference to young people – not all of them but some of them. 

Have you had any female mentors or role models who influenced your journey? 

I have worked in a female heavy work force since joining YMCA and along the way I have had several strong mentors that have influenced my journey – some are no longer at YMCA, but they did make a difference. Of the people still here, I would say Michelle Smith [Education Manager] and Karen Ogden [Head of Education] have been my role models and mentors and have supported me, especially over the past 10 years. 

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to step into leadership positions? 

I would say follow your beliefs and stay true to your self – there will be walls to knock down and hurdles to cross along your way but keep telling yourself that you can do this, and you can make a difference. Treat people how you would expect to be treated and always keep an open door to everyone. 

Thank you so much to Sally for sharing her experience! 

If you’re feeling inspired by Sally’s experience working for Central YMCA and would like to work in a field where you can positively impact the lives of others, we regularly hire for new roles in different areas of the business. Keep an eye on our job postings if you would be interested in joining the Central YMCA family! 

Women at the Heart of What We Do 

In fitness, women inspire others to push their limits, to feel strong, to feel welcome. In education and training, they mentor, coach, and open doors to new possibilities. They lead, they support, they challenge the status quo. 

We are proud to be ahead of the national average when it comes to the number of women in our workforce. 61% of our workforce is female, including 61% of our managers as well – 30 of our 49 line managers are women! 

This is a month to celebrate their achievements, but also to reflect on the road ahead. Because while progress has been made, barriers still exist – whether it’s outdated expectations, limited opportunities, or the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities. True equality isn’t just about being present – it’s about being valued, supported, and heard. 

The Power of Support and Solidarity 

Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through mentorship, allyship, and the relationships we build. It happens when we lift each other up, champion each other’s successes, and create environments where everyone – regardless of gender – feels empowered to thrive. 

And this isn’t just a conversation for International Women’s Month. It’s something we all shape, every day, through the way we listen, challenge, and support each other. 

Inclusion Without Exclusion 

As we celebrate, it’s also important to acknowledge that gender identity is personal. Recognising and respecting that doesn’t take anything away from the achievements of women – it strengthens them. The movement for equality has always been about respect, dignity, and the freedom to be yourself, and that’s something we stand by. 

Looking Ahead 

So this March, let’s celebrate. Let’s recognise the incredible women who make Central YMCA what it is. Let’s reflect on what more we can do. And let’s commit to building a future where equality isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we live. 

Happy International Women’s Month to everyone at Central YMCA – here’s to the women who inspire us all.