Tom Howard
@tomhowardasd.bsky.social
Gay. Autistic. Socialist. Proud. 2024 Big Issue Changemaker. Advocating for peace, justice, and equality across the UK. Disability Officer & political insider. Fighting for a better future - one step at a time. All views my own.
Children using ear defenders in class isn’t “insane”.
What is insane is dismissing the realities of sensory overload while families battle a broken SEND system every single day.
Neurodivergent kids deserve support - not stigma.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...
What is insane is dismissing the realities of sensory overload while families battle a broken SEND system every single day.
Neurodivergent kids deserve support - not stigma.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...
Reform UK’s Richard Tice says children wearing ear defenders in school is ‘insane’
Tice was outlining Reform’s Doge (Department of government efficiency) unit’s progress
www.independent.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Children using ear defenders in class isn’t “insane”.
What is insane is dismissing the realities of sensory overload while families battle a broken SEND system every single day.
Neurodivergent kids deserve support - not stigma.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...
What is insane is dismissing the realities of sensory overload while families battle a broken SEND system every single day.
Neurodivergent kids deserve support - not stigma.
www.independent.co.uk/news/health/...
Last week, I attended a roundtable in Parliament on Early Years and SEND.
Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.
I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.
Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.
Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.
I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.
Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.
October 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Last week, I attended a roundtable in Parliament on Early Years and SEND.
Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.
I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.
Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.
Parents should not have to fight for inclusion.
I called on the Department for Education to make SEND training mandatory for all school staff.
Inclusion must be the default - not a postcode lottery.
I'm listening to the radio, and it's awful news coming in from Manchester.
My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...
My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...
Manchester synagogue: Four people injured in car and stabbing attack in Crumpsall
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham says it's believed the suspect is dead. The incident comes on Yom Kippur - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 2, 2025 at 10:10 AM
I'm listening to the radio, and it's awful news coming in from Manchester.
My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...
My thoughts are with all the victims, along with their family and friends. Truly appalling. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx...
Reform UK has suspended a councillor after shocking online posts allegedly calling for Keir Starmer’s death.
There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reform UK suspends councillor linked to account calling for Starmer’s death
Exclusive: Party investigates Northumberland councillor John Allen over alleged YouTube posts
www.theguardian.com
September 20, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Reform UK has suspended a councillor after shocking online posts allegedly calling for Keir Starmer’s death.
There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
There must be zero tolerance for violent threats in politics – words matter, and this kind of rhetoric puts lives at risk.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
My amazing boyfriend Daniel is taking on Scafell Pike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer! 💚
Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...
Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...
Daniel's fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support
Help Daniel Nisbet raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support
www.justgiving.com
August 29, 2025 at 9:06 AM
My amazing boyfriend Daniel is taking on Scafell Pike to raise money for Macmillan Cancer! 💚
Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...
Every donation makes a difference - please support if you can! 🙏
www.justgiving.com/page/nbrandt...
My little brother struggled at school without the support he needed.
He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed!
He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed!
August 21, 2025 at 6:04 PM
My little brother struggled at school without the support he needed.
He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed!
He was expected to fail, but today he passed all his exams and I couldn’t be prouder.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed!
Only in Britain can you row 1,000 miles for charity, fight tides and storms.. and end up intercepted because an MP thought you were an episode of Border Force: Great Yarmouth.
Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rupert Lowe mistakes charity rowers for 'illegal migrants'
Rupert Lowe says he will donate £1,000 to charity but makes
www.bbc.co.uk
August 8, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Only in Britain can you row 1,000 miles for charity, fight tides and storms.. and end up intercepted because an MP thought you were an episode of Border Force: Great Yarmouth.
Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nice work, Rupert.. 🙄
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK wants to roll back the clock on LGBTQ+ rights - banning Pride flags, gutting the Equality Act, and calling our existence “indoctrination.”
Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.
We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform
Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.
We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform
August 3, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Reform UK wants to roll back the clock on LGBTQ+ rights - banning Pride flags, gutting the Equality Act, and calling our existence “indoctrination.”
Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.
We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform
Farage's rise isn't just political - it's personal for so many of us.
We can’t afford to stay silent. 🏳️🌈 #LGBTQ #StopReform
🚨 Our education system lacks a key ingredient: understanding.
Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.
It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.
Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.
It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.
Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff
We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.
petition.parliament.uk
August 1, 2025 at 6:35 AM
🚨 Our education system lacks a key ingredient: understanding.
Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.
It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.
Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Over 22,000 people have backed our call for mandatory neurodiversity training for ALL education staff.
It’s time we ensure every teacher is equipped to support every child.
Sign the petition: 👇
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
On this day in 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off England’s coast - sparking one of history’s most famous naval showdowns. #OnThisDay #History
July 31, 2025 at 7:38 PM
On this day in 1588, the Spanish Armada was sighted off England’s coast - sparking one of history’s most famous naval showdowns. #OnThisDay #History
My piece for Pride Month in the local paper! 🏳️🌈 #Pride2025
June 20, 2025 at 4:38 AM
My piece for Pride Month in the local paper! 🏳️🌈 #Pride2025
Had the honour of meeting Lord Dubs today in Parliament and hearing about his childhood journey on the Kindertransport.
A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome
A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome
June 11, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Had the honour of meeting Lord Dubs today in Parliament and hearing about his childhood journey on the Kindertransport.
A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome
A powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and standing up for those in need. #RefugeesWelcome
If you're watching Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution and would like to do something today to help make education more inclusive, then please consider signing and sharing this petition! #JamieDyslexia
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff
We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.
petition.parliament.uk
June 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
If you're watching Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution and would like to do something today to help make education more inclusive, then please consider signing and sharing this petition! #JamieDyslexia
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
The results of the local elections need to be a major wake-up call..
Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.
Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.
May 2, 2025 at 6:31 AM
The results of the local elections need to be a major wake-up call..
Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.
Reform poses a major threat to the National Health Service. Farage has made it clear that healthcare will be privatised. This can never be allowed to happen in the UK.
Today marks the launch of my petition to make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff.
Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.
Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.
Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Petition: Make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff
We want the government to introduce mandatory neurodiversity training for all teachers and support staff as part of core training.
petition.parliament.uk
April 29, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Today marks the launch of my petition to make neurodiversity training mandatory for all education staff.
Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.
Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Too many pupils are being failed by a lack of understanding.
Please sign to help build a more inclusive future for every child:
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/72...
Just 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work. In many cases, that’s due to a lack of reasonable adjustments.
For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇
For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇
April 25, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Just 16% of autistic adults are in full-time paid work. In many cases, that’s due to a lack of reasonable adjustments.
For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇
For #AutismAcceptanceMonth, I’ve written about how simple changes can make workplaces more inclusive - and why that benefits everyone. 👇
Buses aren't just transport - they're an economic engine, a climate solution, and a congestion cure. Every £1 spent on buses delivers £4.55 in benefits. It's time to stop overlooking them and start investing in a better-connected future. #RuralTransport
April 18, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Buses aren't just transport - they're an economic engine, a climate solution, and a congestion cure. Every £1 spent on buses delivers £4.55 in benefits. It's time to stop overlooking them and start investing in a better-connected future. #RuralTransport
Reposted by Tom Howard
Congratulations to @tomhowardasd.bsky.social, a vital member of my team who just won an award at the Autism Hero Awards 2025!
He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!
www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...
He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!
www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...
‘It represents the determination of everyone’: Autism campaigner recognised with prestigious award
An autism campaigner has been recognised for his exceptional contribution to neurodiversity awareness and community inclusion.
www.suffolknews.co.uk
March 19, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Congratulations to @tomhowardasd.bsky.social, a vital member of my team who just won an award at the Autism Hero Awards 2025!
He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!
www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...
He's done a fantastic job campaigning for disability rights, and set up a brilliant community film club here in Bury St Edmunds!
www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...
PIP isn’t awarded solely to those who aren’t working.
It’s there to help with the extra costs of disabilities - costs that don’t disappear when someone gets a job.
For many, it’s what makes work possible. Removing it would push many out of employment.
It’s there to help with the extra costs of disabilities - costs that don’t disappear when someone gets a job.
For many, it’s what makes work possible. Removing it would push many out of employment.
April 5, 2025 at 10:14 AM
PIP isn’t awarded solely to those who aren’t working.
It’s there to help with the extra costs of disabilities - costs that don’t disappear when someone gets a job.
For many, it’s what makes work possible. Removing it would push many out of employment.
It’s there to help with the extra costs of disabilities - costs that don’t disappear when someone gets a job.
For many, it’s what makes work possible. Removing it would push many out of employment.
I am truly honoured to have won the Personal Achievement Award at the Autism Hero Awards!
Huge thanks to Anna Kennedy Online for this incredible recognition. Proud to advocate for neurodiversity and help make a difference in our communities. #AutismHeroAwards
Huge thanks to Anna Kennedy Online for this incredible recognition. Proud to advocate for neurodiversity and help make a difference in our communities. #AutismHeroAwards
March 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I am truly honoured to have won the Personal Achievement Award at the Autism Hero Awards!
Huge thanks to Anna Kennedy Online for this incredible recognition. Proud to advocate for neurodiversity and help make a difference in our communities. #AutismHeroAwards
Huge thanks to Anna Kennedy Online for this incredible recognition. Proud to advocate for neurodiversity and help make a difference in our communities. #AutismHeroAwards
Current proposals to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a voucher scheme would undermine financial independence for millions. It's crucial we protect PIP as a lifeline for disabled people. #DisabilityRights
March 7, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Current proposals to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a voucher scheme would undermine financial independence for millions. It's crucial we protect PIP as a lifeline for disabled people. #DisabilityRights
I've just been watching how Trump and Vance have treated Zelensky during his visit to the United States.
They're just high school bullies and have shown nothing but disrespect toward Zelensky and Ukraine.
It's shocking how much things have changed in just a matter of weeks..
They're just high school bullies and have shown nothing but disrespect toward Zelensky and Ukraine.
It's shocking how much things have changed in just a matter of weeks..
March 1, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I've just been watching how Trump and Vance have treated Zelensky during his visit to the United States.
They're just high school bullies and have shown nothing but disrespect toward Zelensky and Ukraine.
It's shocking how much things have changed in just a matter of weeks..
They're just high school bullies and have shown nothing but disrespect toward Zelensky and Ukraine.
It's shocking how much things have changed in just a matter of weeks..
The DWP has squandered over £400 million fighting disability benefit claims, losing almost 70% of appeals. Urgent reform is needed to create a fair and compassionate system that properly supports disabled people across the UK. #DisabilityRights
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
DWP blew tens of millions in taxpayer cash on fighting disability benefit claims
The latest figures revealed by Big Issue mean that the DWP has spent more than £400m on fighting disability benefit appeals since 2013.
www.bigissue.com
March 1, 2025 at 9:35 AM
The DWP has squandered over £400 million fighting disability benefit claims, losing almost 70% of appeals. Urgent reform is needed to create a fair and compassionate system that properly supports disabled people across the UK. #DisabilityRights
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Some talk of how disability benefits should be taken away from those with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, and a focus placed on those with physical disabilities.
Unclear how these proposed changes would affect those with conditions such as ASD or ADHD.
Unclear how these proposed changes would affect those with conditions such as ASD or ADHD.
February 2, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Some talk of how disability benefits should be taken away from those with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, and a focus placed on those with physical disabilities.
Unclear how these proposed changes would affect those with conditions such as ASD or ADHD.
Unclear how these proposed changes would affect those with conditions such as ASD or ADHD.