Michael Barton

I give talks at conferences, workshops, schools and training sessions globally about my experiences of being on the autism spectrum. One of my most high-profile talks to date was at TEDxOxford in 2023.

I also advise companies on their Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policies surrounding neurodiversity. My talks focus on the positive aspects of being autistic, which give people a more optimistic view of the future and break down the barriers autistic people face.

I'm the author of three books, "It's Raining Cats and Dogs", "A Different Kettle of Fish" and most recently "What Has Autism Ever Done For Us?". I'm an experienced speaker on autism, Asperger's syndrome and neurodiversity, having toured the UK, given over 100 talks to date and been featured around the media from Channel 4 and the BBC to the New Scientist magazine. I am also patron of CASPA, a charity based in South East London that runs youth clubs for young people on the autism spectrum.

I gained a Physics degree from the University of Surrey and now work as a Data Analyst for Hastings Direct, making me one of just 29% of the autistic population in employment.

In my spare time I'm an accomplished musician, playing jazz piano, bass guitar, drums and percussion (including spoons) with a variety of bands. On top of that I'm a black belt in judo and enjoy rock climbing.