Marxist. Trade Unionist. Socialist-feminist. Author. Poet. Speaker. Tutor. RMT ex-Exec. Workers' Liberty. Autie. Bi. PUFC fan.

Autism in the workplace

Writing, training, speaking, campaigning ...

For details of Janine's training on Autism and Neurodiversity in the Workplace, click here.

Guest post: Autistic Workers and Trade Unions

Submitted by Janine on 16 November 2018 at 14:21

by PCS rep, Helen Sheridan

Never give a trade unionist a platform if you want to get away on time. I hope you're all sitting comfortably. For anyone who cares about these things, my name is Helen Sheridan and I am a trade union representative with the Public and Commercial Services Union. I have served on the Executive Committee for my branch for almost ten years, as well as on various sub-committees within the branch. I'm also Autistic.

As you've probably noticed, awareness of neurodiversity has increased dramatically over the past few years, with high profile campaigns from groups like the National Autistic Society, increased representation in film and television, such as The A Word, and the rise of social media giving a platform to Autistic people themselves. Self Advocacy groups have gained more control over the conversation being had about Autism and are steering it to the areas that matter to Autistic people.

Neurodiversity under Capitalism and under Socialism

Submitted by Janine on 03 November 2018 at 14:30

Autistic, dyspraxic, dyslexic and other people with atypical brain wiring have particular experiences under capitalism. These experiences have positive and negative aspects, and for many people include distress and disadvantage. What are the roots and the causes of this experience? Can we develop the positives while removing the disadvantages? Can we resolve the negatives by tweaking the current system?

Report: RMT Disabled Members' Advisory Committee, 13 September

Submitted by Janine on 15 September 2017 at 09:10

RMT's Disabled Members' Advisory Committee met for the second time on Wednesday 13 September.

 

1. Committee membership

We welcomed new members to the Committee, and completed the election of our Liaison (conference arrangements) Committee.

 

2. Guest speaker: Transport for All

Marxism and Autism: matters arising

Submitted by Janine on 18 April 2017 at 20:56

Some notes from recent discussions on Marxism and autism (two meetings and some online exchanges):

  • There is a capitalist market in products aimed at autistic people and their families. These range from useful resources through to fake and even abusive 'treatments' and 'cures'. As well as commodifying autistic people's needs, this also exploits the fears felt by autistic people and particularly by parents of autistic kids.
  • The mass production brought about by capitalism has had the effect of 'standardising' human beings, pushing us into a narrowly-defined 'normal', in contrast with the more individual, craft-based systems of production that preceded it. On the other hand, mass production has brought major advances and increased living standards. Can socialism combine the advantages of mass production and a renewed scope for individuality and diversity?

Union blog - Autism: raising awareness and winning acceptance

Submitted by Janine on 04 April 2017 at 14:16

I wrote this blog for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which published it on 3 April 2017.

At the start of Autism Awareness Month, campaigner Janine Booth says autistic people's involvement in our trade unions is essential to winning acceptance and raising awareness.

Do you have any autistic workmates? Perhaps you do. Perhaps you do but you don’t realise it. Perhaps you are autistic yourself. Maybe you have an autistic dependant – child or adult – or you know a workmate who does.

Report: RMT Disabled Members' Conference

Submitted by Janine on 29 March 2017 at 10:12

Yesterday saw RMT's first ever Disabled Members' Conference, held in London.

Although quite small (9 delegates, plus union officials), the important thing was that it took place at all, especially as rank-and-file members had pushed for its creation against the wishes of the union's national leadership. Now it is established, it will grow from year to year, as the union's other equalities conferences have done.