Keynote SpeakersKelly Grainger is an autism and neurodiversity in the workplace speaker.
In 2019 and after 23 successful years working in the corporate world, Kelly was diagnosed as autistic (Asperger’s Syndrome), aged 44.
The response he received was, on the whole, very positive, except from his company.
Kelly’s diagnosis was met with ignorance and negativity, an experience that would change the course of his career and life. At this moment, he had an epiphany, setting Kelly down a new path in his career.
Kelly now drives awareness, understanding and most importantly, acceptance of neurodiversity. He is an international keynote speaker on autism and neurodiversity in the workplace.
Having worked for some of the world’s largest organisations, including PepsiCo, Merlin Entertainments and News International, in roles such as Head of Sales (not your typical position for an autistic person), Kelly decided to focus his time on sharing his story and inspiring others.
More recently, Kelly was approached by Mental Health at Work, curated by Mind, to partner with them, producing toolkits advising businesses about neurodiversity.
In 2021 Kelly was invited to speak at the United Nations Global Compact Network UK. He has also worked with Heathrow Express promoting the Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard scheme and partnered with O2.
In 2020 Kelly spoke at The Autism Show and has been featured by the National Autistic Society. Kelly is also a regular on BBC radio.
Since being diagnosed as autistic, Kelly has been featured in many publications, including:
- Daily Telegraph
- Huffington Post
- Daily Mail
- HR Zone
- Disability Review magazine
- The Independent
- iNews
Having spoken at hundreds of events and conferences during his corporate career, Kelly Grainger is a dynamic, engaging and compelling speaker on autism and neurodiversity in the workplace.
Kelly’s speaking topics include:
- Being diagnosed autistic as an adult
- Autism in general (including being the parent of autistic children)
- Using neurodiverse friendly principles in the workplace to create a healthy, happy and productive workforce
- Neurodiversity and mental health
- Neurodiversity in the workplace
Neurodiverse meaning:
What is Neurodiversity? It’s a viewpoint that brain differences are normal rather than deficits.
It’s estimated that around 1 in 7 people have neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, which are observed when they learn and process information in a particular way.
The term neurodiversity usually refers to a range of learning differences which can include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) (Dyspraxia)
- Epilepsy
- Tourettes and Tic disorders
- Specific Learning Disorder/Differences, e.g. Dyslexia, Dyscalculia
