Tim Howe, COO - Spectrum Designs

I’m a proud nerd. I obsess over a topic. I dive deep into it until I know as much as I can about it and get excited about adding new information to what I already have in my head.

However, equally as quickly, I find something new to dive into and do the same thing all over again. I love learning on my own terms, diving into pointless information, and indulging in trivia and random facts.

This combination of traits made me good at school and interesting in a conversation, but it was a rude awakening when I found that not many people thought about things in the bizarre way I did! However, I soon learned that was alright and a part of the human condition.

Everyone may think differently, but your actions define who you are. I had no idea this thought process would form the basis of my understanding of neurodiversity. This way of thinking, which was so personal, has been my basis for insight and commonality into the worlds of my neurodivergent colleagues and friends.

Compared to my fellow authors, I grew up knowing little about disabilities, but what I always understood and treasured was community. I grew up in a beautiful, but small farming village in the heart of Wales, where everyone knew everyone and their life stories.

We pitched in, supported one another, and knew where we fit. In 2013, when Patrick invited me to assist with the small nonprofit he co-founded, I discovered the beginnings of a community I believed – and still believe – could change the world.

That moment was life-changing for me. I saw an opportunity to take part in building a community – and as the years went on, a movement – for people who struggled to find a space of their own. I could help, and beyond that, I could empathize. I could see aspects of myself in my new colleagues and friends, and something clicked inside me.

Suddenly this felt like the most important thing I could do with my life. I’ve since had the profound honor of watching hundreds of employees find a home and a community at Spectrum – or find access to the wider disability community – and it never gets old.

The joy of seeing overlooked individuals thrive within our community is a reward beyond measure, and witnessing this firsthand is something I want for everyone reading this book. As we move forward, I am energized by the prospect of building an even stronger network of support and inclusivity. Together, we will break down barriers, foster belonging, and champion the rights of those who need our support, ensuring no one has to navigate their challenges alone.