A new Knowledge Exchange, research and education centre for autism has been established at the University of Strathclyde to advance neuro-inclusion.
The Centre for Autism Research & Education at Strathclyde (CARE@S) aims to foster employment, entrepreneurship, and mental wellbeing for the neuro-divergent community and work towards the flourishing of neuro-inclusion.
It is being supported by a six-figure donation from Strathclyde alumnus, benefactor and Scottish technology entrepreneur Leslie Stretch.
Employment opportunities
The launch of the new Centre follows a recent report, published by the Fraser of Allander Institute at Strathclyde, found that employers’ lack of understanding is limiting employment opportunities for jobseekers with learning disabilities, many of whom are also neurodivergent.
Of the 23,584 working-age adults with a learning disability known to local authorities across Scotland, only 4.1% were known to be in employment (SCLD, latest data from 2019) – considerably lower than national rate of 74.7% (Annual Population Survey Jan-Dec 2023).
The report found that while employers indicate a willingness to employ people with learning disabilities, there was a lack of knowledge, lack of prioritisation, lack of intention and knowledge about how to recruit, develop and retain staff, often the first barrier being not knowing where to start, and a perceived cost barrier to doing so – similar to those barriers being experienced by the neurodivergent employee or entrepreneur.
The Centre was launched at event on Wednesday 13 November attended by Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport in the Scottish Government, and Strathclyde’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald and Founder and CEO Adam Harris from AsIam, Ireland’s leading Autism Charity.
Positive impact
Speaking at the event Ms Todd said: “Neurodivergent people can be amongst the most marginalised, stigmatised, disadvantaged and excluded in society.
“This is something the Scottish Government has been working hard to change, and I have no doubt that the opening of this Centre for Autism Research and Education @ Strathclyde will have a positive impact on the lives of Scotland’s neurodivergent communities.
“I believe that this Centre will bring new hope and opportunities to these groups – and will assist greatly in improving the lives of many autistic people.”
Declan Hogan, Director of CARE@S said: “We’ve set out to do something unique in Scotland by taking a fresh approach and applying new thinking to advancing neuro-inclusion.
Our aim is to create sustainable and scalable projects and programs – developed through our partnerships – which will increase awareness, acceptance and belonging, enhance wellbeing and tackle employment and entrepreneurial hurdles.
“Scotland has an opportunity to benefit from the skills that autistic and neuro-divergent individuals have and by working with autistic scholars and entrepreneurs on co-created solutions we can work towards a more inclusive society.”
New approaches
Strathclyde is the largest postgraduate provider of Masters in Autism in Scotland with a huge international student base, and is a partner in a number of projects which aim to provide work experience for individuals with autism and learning disabilities, including Project Search and Breaking Barriers.
CARE@S is also participating in the Autism Congress in September 2025, which is being hosted by AsIam in Dublin and is keen to foster close partnerships with autism and neuro-inclusion partners, locally, nationally and internationally to drive social change and new approaches and practices.
Declan added: “This new Centre reflects Strathclyde’s values of being people-centred, innovative, collaborative, ambitious and bold which is at the heart of our Institution’s socially progressive mission.”