Michael Barton

Speaks on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome
Diversity & Inclusion Policies Surrounding Neurodiversity
TED Talk Speaker

Michael Barton is keynote speaker on autism, Asperger's syndrome and neurodiversity and has been speaking at events for over a decade.

Michael has given hundreds of talks to date and been featured around the media from Channel 4 and the BBC to the New Scientist magazine. He also gave a TED talk at TEDx Oxford in January 2023 – which led him to becoming patron of CASPA - a charity based in South East London that runs youth clubs for young people on the autism spectrum.

Michael is an author of three books, "It's Raining Cats and Dogs" and "A Different Kettle of Fish", both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, plus his most recent book "What Has Autism Ever Done For Us?"

Drawing on over 30 years' lived experience as an autistic person, Michael is uniquely positioned to offer insights and perspectives that are both illuminating* and transformative.

He give talks at conferences, events, schools, businesses and training sessions globally about his personal experiences of autism and also advises companies on their Diversity and Inclusion policies surrounding neurodiversity. His main 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 and neurodivergent people face.

Conference Speaker
As an experienced, autistic speaker, Michael has been giving talks to a wide variety of audiences around the UK and on a global scale since 2010.

His talks encourage autistic and neurodivergent people to focus on their strengths and help neurotypical people (those that aren't autistic) to understand us better and therefore accommodate us to a greater extent. He positions himself as "sitting on the fence" between the neurotypical and autistic worlds and thus can act as an interpreter between the two.

Michael can also focus on the positive aspects of autism from personal experience and covers a variety of topics, from strategies to help overcome difficulties he has faced as a child, to the world of employment and most of what's in between.

To book Michael Barton to speak at your next event, please call Prime Performers on 020 3500 3331 or email us at info@primeperformers.co.uk

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Testimonials

This was a fantastic talk, and very insightful, thank you very much, an exceptional talk!

A great session. Michael engaged the audience by sharing his lived experiences and his effective use of humour. Most importantly, he clearly articulated key messages. Everyone is individual; ensure strengths are valued and given opportunities to develop further. If anyone is seeking a speaker I would highly recommend Michael.

Great work on shining a light on such an overlook yet vital part of EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion). I loved Michael's encouragement to focus on the strengths (rather than deficits) people bring.