We are delighted to announce that TV star and professional dancer, Tom Malone Jnr, has become our new Celebrity Ambassador.

Tom, who is autistic and has starred in television programmes including Channel 4’s Gogglebox, will help to amplify our work to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Tom was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 28 and bravely shared his own diagnosis journey with his followers on social media earlier this year. He was widely praised for talking about his experiences and helping other autistic people to share their stories too. Tom will join our annual event, World Autism Acceptance Week, which runs from March 27 to April 2 2023. The theme of next year’s event is colour with a new virtual challenge, the Spectrum Colour Challenge, and a new in-person event, the Spectrum Colour Walks, along with lots of other fundraising ideas.

Tom Malone Jnr said: “After being diagnosed as autistic at age 28, I’ve become very passionate about improving understanding of autism along with breaking down stereotypes and stigmas. So that being said, I’m so incredibly proud to be able to say that I’m now an official ambassador for the National Autistic Society!”

Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom on board as Celebrity Ambassador and greatly appreciate his time and support for our charity.

“Almost everyone has heard of autism now, but too few people understand what it’s like to be autistic, both how hard life can be without the right support and the different perspectives, passions and skills autistic children and adults can have.   

“This is changing, thanks to people like Tom, who share their experiences so openly. But we still need to hear more from autistic people and families with a wide range of support needs and from a diverse range of backgrounds.

“Better public understanding of autism across society could transform hundreds of thousands of autistic people's lives.”