Luke Shortlisted for Major Autism Award

5th February 2016

A leading autism expert from Sheffield Hallam has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of the way his research and teaching has influenced public understanding of autism over his 20-year career.

Luke is one of three finalists for the award for achievement by an Individual Education Professional in the Autism Professionals Awards 2016, sponsored by Axcis Education Recruitment. He was shortlisted, alongside two others, by an independent panel of 11 autism experts who judged them on their innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability. Read Luke's latest blog on autism awareness. The awards are run by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and first took place in 2013 as a way for the autism community to come together to recognise the individuals and teams doing great work that can inspire others in the field and spread knowledge and understanding of autism. Since then, it has become an annual event, bringing together experts to select the autism pioneers and leading organisations having real positive impact on the lives of autistic people and their families living in the UK now. Luke, who was a finalist for an award last year, has been working in the field of autism around 20 years, as a lecturer, supervisor, and advisor, as well as a practitioner providing support and consultancy to professionals working with people with the condition. He is renowned for his innovative person-centred approach to understanding autism and currently lectures as part of The Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University. The judges commended his enthusiasm and sensitivity to the nuances of autism, recognising the positive impact his research has had on public understanding of autism. Luke said: -It's an honour to be recognised, just for doing a job that I love, and I'm grateful to those who nominated me. -Perceptions of autism and support available has improved in recent years but we're still not where we need to be. I look forward to many more years of striving to support autistic people and their families in whatever way I can. Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society's Centre for Autism, said: "Luke has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to improving understanding of autism and it's only right that he should be recognised for this. Luke is joined by two other nominees in the Award for Achievement by an Individual Education Professional category, sponsored by Axcis Education Recruitment: Adele Devine, a special needs teacher at Portesbery School in Surrey and Chloe Philips, principal of the Sybil Elgar School in Southall, London. The winner will be revealed at the NAS' Professional Conference on Tuesday 1 March 2016 in Telford.