Michael Barton

An autistic keynote speaker aiming to spread the message of autism and neurodiversity to everyone. This is the small section of the internet dedicated to me, myself and I - enjoy!

Hello! My name is Michael Barton and I have been a keynote speaker on autism, Asperger's syndrome and neurodiversity for over a decade. I've toured the UK, given hundreds of talks to date and been featured around the media from Channel 4 and the BBC to the New Scientist magazine. I also gave a TED talk at TEDxOxford in January 2023. This has led to me becoming patron of CASPA - a charity based in South East London that runs youth clubs for young people on the autism spectrum.

I'm also the author of three books, "It's Raining Cats and Dogs" and "A Different Kettle of Fish", both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, plus my most recent book "What Has Autism Ever Done For Us?"

Drawing on over 30 years' lived experience as an autistic person, I am uniquely positioned to offer insights and perspectives that are both illuminating* and transformative. I give talks at conferences, events, schools, businesses and training sessions globally about my personal experiences of autism. I also advise companies on their Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policies surrounding neurodiversity. My talks focus on the positive aspects of being autistic, which give people a more optimistic view of the future and break down the barriers autistic and neurodivergent people face.

In my spare time I'm an accomplished musician, playing jazz piano, bass guitar, drums and percussion (including spoons) with a variety of bands. On top of that I'm a black belt in judo and I enjoy rock climbing.

*Yes, my phone does have a torch function!