AN ARBORFIELD woman who is helping raise awareness of autism has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Autism advocate Carly Jones said that the award was “exciting” and it was an honour to be recognised for her work. A parent to an autistic child, she is also autistic herself. Her advocacy work has seen her speak at global forums including the United Nations and the World Human Rights Forum.
Ms Jones said: “To receive an MBE from our Majesty the Queen is a feeling which I am yet to be able to put into words, I am not sure I can explain with justice how exciting this recognition is.
“I hope that as not only a parent of Autistic young women but also being an Autistic woman myself my MBE sends out a clear message that regardless of our challenges and differences [we] have something to offer our country of tremendous value.”
She added: “I hope my MBE stands as an example to professionals working with Autistic mothers that we have empathy, make selfless acts and valuable contributions to their communities and own families.
“I hope more adult women feel less afraid to disclose their Autism to friends, colleagues and families so they can find other Autistic women and feel less isolation.”
