AN EASTLEIGH entrepreneur has been shortlisted for a national autism award.

Nathaniel Hawley, 27, a business leader, social entrepreneur and charity trustee, has been nominated for the National Autistic Society’s prestigious Autism Professionals Awards.

The former Barton Peveril student is a finalist in the Outstanding Achievement by an Individual on the Autism Spectrum Award and was chosen by an independent panel of autism specialists.

Nathaniel is the director for The Dyslexia Employment Academy at Exceptional Individuals – the first employment partnership for neurodivergent people, those who have conditions such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.

He said: “I’m honoured to have been shortlisted in the Autism Professionals Awards 2019.

“The work that we have achieved in the community and with Exceptional Individuals is something I am incredibly proud of.

“Autism, with the right support, is an amazing gift, it is my life passion to empower these creative thinkers and innovators, supporting them to achieve their highest potential.”

As a campaigner for people on the autistic spectrum, Nathaniel has trained more than 2,000 individuals in the last two years with a range of diverse conditions in communication, confidantes and finding meaningful employment.

The annual Autism Professionals Awards were launched in 2013 to recognise people, services and schools across the UK who are making a difference to autistic people and their families.

By celebrating their achievements, the National Autistic Society hopes to increase public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too.

There are 12 awards for individuals and organisations, covering education, health, social care, employment, and volunteering.

Carol Povey, director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: “We run the Autism Professionals Awards each year to recognise and celebrate the people, projects and organisations doing amazing things for autistic children, adults, or their families.

“All the finalists should be commended for impressing the judges and standing out among so many excellent nominations.

“By celebrating their achievements, we hope to improve public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too.”