Despite diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) being a key focus within the majority of workplaces, for those with autism there is clearly still a long way to go. More needs to be done to ensure people with autism have viable learning pathways beyond school and subsequent career opportunities.

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re shining a light on Joshua Barlow, who was diagnosed with autism when he was five years old. He has gone from being non-verbal and struggling to stay in mainstream education to successfully studying accountancy with AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), securing a job in the accounting department at an academy trust and finding his path in life.

Joshua, 24 years old, shares: ‘When I was first diagnosed I couldn’t speak at all and my parents fought hard for me to stay in mainstream education, which I did throughout my entire schooling; something I’m really pleased to have done. I completed my GCSEs and achieved four B grades; much better than I was predicted.’

After studying catering, but quickly realising the split shifts and irregular working patterns weren’t for him, Joshua discovered his passion for finance whilst doing a BTEC in Business and hasn’t looked back since.

He completed his AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting as a self-studier and is now studying his Level 3 as an apprenticeship.

Joshua’s autism is something he has had to navigate his whole life and he still has challenges today.

He explains: ‘I have very high expectations of myself and always try to be perfect, which inevitably isn’t always possible.

‘Studying with AAT brings flexibility that is a godsend for me. The fact I’m able to work at my own pace and fit my learning around my job means I’ve been able to set up my own processes to help manage my studying and exams.

‘I have separate notebooks for each unit and can access the AAT learning portal at any hour.’

Although a long way from being non-verbal now, Joshua still struggles with his speech sometimes.

‘My biggest challenge on my accounting journey has been finding a job in the first place. I stutter a lot when I’m nervous and so I sometimes struggle to articulate my answers in interviews. But I was eventually successful and currently work for an academy trust, where I’ve been for over a year now.’

Explaining finance is in his blood, Joshua says: ‘My nan was a cash register officer at a local leather factory in Yeovil, so it’s nice that I’m following in her footsteps.’

Apprenticeships alongside an AAT qualification are open to practically anyone. People simply need to be over 16, not in full-time education and have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for at least three years. There are opportunities in virtually every industry, from accountancy practices such as KPMG, to companies such as Network Rail, Microsoft and the NHS.

Sarah Beale, CEO at the AAT comments: ‘People say accountants are introverted, that we’re not good with people or in social situations, and we find solace in numbers.

‘Frankly, that’s rubbish and not what I see across our broad community - but being an introvert is not a bad thing. Not everybody learns or thinks the same, thank goodness! Some of us are outgoing, whilst others are more considered, even shy, and can find being centre stage difficult.

‘Our AAT community is as diverse as our society. And that’s our superpower. It means we can relate to clients and businesses of all different kinds and embrace diverse ways of thinking or working. Which in turn means we can effectively help everyone understand the impact of a business and the numbers behind it.

‘People like Joshua – who has proved people wrong and overcome hurdles throughout his life – show that it is very possible to gain the skills and confidence to do the job and thrive in the real world.

‘I’m proud that our door is open to everyone, no matter their background, stage in life, ways of learning or neurological wiring.’

For Joshua, the career choice has been a life changer.

‘The more challenges I’ve faced, the stronger I’ve become. If someone told me years ago I would be where I am today, I wouldn’t believe them. I want to show people what I’m made of,’ Joshua said.

‘Accounting has given me a promising future. I’ve found something which suits me, I can progress in and, it may sound surprising, but I find working with numbers really beautiful – they make sense, you can show your findings and there is always an answer.’

Find out more about AAT’s range of apprenticeships, qualifications and courses