Dr James Cusack, chief executive of Autistica, has announced that he will be leaving after ten successful years at the charity. He will step down at the end of November.

James has led the transformation of Autistica from a research grant funder to a strategic organisation creating real-world change for autistic people.

James joined Autistica in 2015 as director of research, after a career in autism research at the University of Aberdeen. He became chief executive in 2020 and launched six ambitious and visionary 2030 Goals underpinned by a strategic plan of projects that span research, campaigning, partnerships and policy development. Each Goal ensures maximum impact for autistic people.

We are close to achieving several of our 2030 Goals and are working with hundreds of organisations to help make them a reality. We look forward to sharing progress on our Goals at the end of the year.

We will miss James as a leader and a colleague, but wish him all the best in his new leadership role. We know from experience that he will go on to do wonderful things in the future.

James says:

"When I got my autism diagnosis as a child, it felt like there was no hope. So, to lead an organisation like Autistica has been an incredible privilege. This cause is deeply personal, which comes with both benefits and challenges. But I have always known that I would not work in autism forever. As I reached my 10th anniversary at Autistica, it felt like it was the right time to move on.

"I am leaving an incredible team at Autistica that taught me a lot. I have no doubt that the charity will create a better future for autistic people."

Autistica Chair Stephen Boyle says:

"I cannot thank James enough for all he has contributed to the charity over the past decade. He has redefined the mission of this charity so that it is completely focused on helping autistic people and their families to thrive. He set Goals to bring clarity and focus to that mission. James leaves behind a strong, multi-disciplinary, neurodiverse team and a charity that is on the brink of solutions that will change lives."

James is moving on to be the chief executive of the charity PSPA, who are dedicated to creating a better future for everyone affected by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration

The search for his successor is in progress.