Shortlisted Alumnus

Nathaniel Hawley, an alumnus of Barton Peveril, has been shortlisted for the National Autistic Society’s prestigious Autism Professionals Awards.
The 27-year old is a finalist in the Outstanding Achievement by an Individual on the Autism Spectrum Award. He was shortlisted by an independent panel of autism specialists, who were looking for high standards of innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 7 March 2019 in Birmingham, as part of the National Autistic Society’s Professional Conference.
Nathaniel Hawley is a successful business leader, social entrepreneur & trustee of multiple charities. Nathaniel is an avid campaigner for people on the Autism Spectrum. In the last 2 years he has trained over 2000 individuals with a range of diverse conditions in communication, confidantes & finding meaningful employment.
He is currently the Director for ‘The Dyslexia Employment Academy’ at Exceptional Individuals. Exceptional Individuals are the first employment partnership for Neurodivergent people (People with Dyslexia, Autism, Dyspraxia & ADHD)
The annual Autism Professionals Awards were launched in 2013 to recognise people, services and schools across the UK who are making a difference to autistic people and their families. By celebrating their achievements, the National Autistic Society hopes to increase public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too. There are 12 awards for individuals and organisations, covering education, health, social care, employment, and volunteering.
There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Being autistic means, someone sees, hears and feels in a different, often more intense way to other people, which can make the world a very overwhelming place.
Every autistic person is different and many people also have a learning disability, mental health problems or other conditions. With understanding and tailored support, autistic people can live full and rewarding lives – whether in education, work or living as independently as possible.
Speaking on the success

Nathaniel, said:
“I’m honoured to have been shortlisted in the Autism Professionals Awards 2019. The work that we have achieved in the community and with Exceptional Individuals is something I am incredibly proud of. Autism, with the right support, is an amazing gift, it is my life passion to empower these creative thinkers and innovators, supporting them to achieve their highest potential.”
Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said:
“We run the Autism Professionals Awards each year to recognise and celebrate the people, projects and organisations doing amazing things for autistic children, adults, or their families. All the finalists should be commended for impressing the judges and standing out among so many excellent nominations. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to improve public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too.”
Find out more about autism, the Autism Professionals Awards and the Professional Conference by visiting: autism.org.uk/professionals