Dr James Cusack
Chief Executive, Autistica
Throughout his career as a researcher and with Autistica, James has tirelessly championed the needs and rights of all autistic people and their family members. In August 2020, he was appointed as the first autistic CEO of a major national UK charity.
Prior to becoming its Chief Executive, since 2015 James was Autistica’s Director of Science. During this time he has been at the heart of the charity’s growth and impact, including devising and overseeing its national research network Discover; identifying, supporting and funding high-impact scientific studies; making Autistica a global leader in authentic community involvement and bravely making premature mortality a priority for the charity, its beneficiaries and governments around the world. He has a global reputation and network within autism and beyond and deeply understands both the world of science and the world of autism.
James has a degree in psychology, a PhD and undertook post-doctorate work before joining Autistica and being recognised as a rising star by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO).
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“To overcome the unacceptable inequalities that autistic people face and guarantee their rights, we must ensure we listen to the experiences of all autistic people and deliver transformative change based on the best evidence.”