TBN Spotlight: Naomi Charlton

Meet Naomi Charlton, the dynamic Training Business Developer at Autism Unlimited. We sat down with Naomi to dive into her impactful work and explore how she’s driving change and championing support for autism inclusivity and awareness.

Tell us a little bit about your business

Founded in 1968, Autism Unlimited is a registered charity which supports neurodivergent individuals, promoting equal opportunities and acceptance of unique talents. We offer external training to help organisations in public, private, charity, and educational sectors understand neurodiversity, aiming to reshape perceptions and improve inclusion for the neurodivergent community in the workplace.

What are some of the most popular services that you provide?

We offer bespoke, interactive training on neurodiversity across various formats, including e-learning, online and in-person workshops. Our neurodivergent trainers co-produce each course, ensuring authenticity and impact.

Accredited by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, our sessions cover topics like ‘Understanding Autism’, ‘Recruiting Neurodivergent Talent’, and ‘Inclusive Team Dynamics’.

Our training provides an insight into how neurodivergent people see the world, assists learners in developing an appreciation for different skills and talents, and encourages employers to expand their talent pool to embrace an inclusive workplace.

All courses are designed for neurotypical and neurodivergent learners and 100% of learners advise that their knowledge and awareness of neurodiversity increased from the training received by Autism Unlimited.

Has there been a particular business highlight this year?

This year we introduced training breakfasts in Bournemouth as an opportunity for local businesses and charities to learn more about neurodiversity in the workplace. These have all been a great success and we plan to replicate these in Southampton for 2025… save the date, 4th of March at Southampton Football Club.

Follow us here for further information and our next Bournemouth breakfast.

What do you enjoy most about networking?

Meeting new people, learning about different businesses and finding out what is new in our business community

What do you love about working in the geographical area that you work?

The opportunities! Dorset is diverse, creative and full of potential.

When you’re not busy working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

This year has mainly been spent on house renovation and having some lovely short breaks with my family to Venice, Edinburgh and Majorca – we are very lucky to have Bournemouth and Southampton airport close by. I also part own and manage Coastal Picnis Co. with two friends, providing pop up grazing picnics on our beautiful local beaches – ideal for family gatherings, birthday parties or romantic gestures (https://coastalpicnics.co.uk/).

What are your favourite places to visit locally?

We are spoilt for choice…I would go with a morning dog walk along The North Dorset Trailway, an afternoon admiring the artwork at Sculpture by the Lakes, sundowner drinks at Mudeford Spit.

Tell us any other interesting facts about you that you think people would like to know…

Some keys facts about neurodiversity:

• 1 in 5 people in the UK are diagnosed as neurodivergent
• 30-40% of neurodivergent people in the UK are unemployed … however they want to work!
• What does Richard Branson, Jo Malone and Walt Disney all have in common? They are/were neurodivergent.

Find out more by visiting: https://www.autism-unlimited.org/courses/