April celebrates Autism Awareness Month, a time to identify and honour the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals.
Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. Autistic people are different from each other, but for a diagnosis, they must share differences from non-autistic people in how they think, feel and communicate.
Did you know that more than one in 100 people are autistic and there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK?
Since 1st August 2020, 7% of National Horseracing College Foundation Course learners have declared they are on the Autism spectrum, an increase to 13% since August 2024. These learners often bring qualities and talents beyond other learners. They typically possess greater attention to detail, efficiency and above-average ability to follow instructions, think logically and retain information. These traits often make people on the autism spectrum excellent in jobs with horses.
Autism in Racing was the idea of racing broadcaster Bobby Beevers, which was brought to life in 2021 as a collaboration between Bobby, Racing Together and the RCA.
With thanks to funding from the
Racing Foundation,
Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust and other supporters, Autism in Racing seeks to raise awareness of autism, educate racing’s workforce and customers about autism and has hosted over 30 autism-friendly racedays at British racecourses so far.
Autism in Racing is a further example of the sport’s desire to promote equality, diversity and inclusion at all levels.
