Alex Sass is autistic, of British nationality, and has spent more than 30 years advising large companies on digital strategy, social media theory, marketing innovation, and brand development.
Among his clients in Europe and the United States are the European Space Agency, Converse, Adidas, Under Armour, BMW MINI, and various government organizations, including the Government of Greenland.
After many years working in the United Kingdom, Sass began to find it increasingly difficult to “manage the demands of daily life, intense work environments, and a social culture often based on crowded pubs, late nights, and a lot of noise”.
Until during a long visit to Lanzarote eight years ago, he and his partner decided to stay and luckily obtained full Spanish residency before Brexit. They now live in Los Valles.
“Lanzarote as an exceptional place for autistic professionals, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs. Here I have found the space, the infrastructure, and the understanding necessary to continue working at the highest level in my sector,” shares Sass.
"Brexit was the last straw"
For Sass, “the United Kingdom's decision to close some of its doors to Europe was the last straw for two logical people who love global community, international work, and the possibility of living and trading beyond borders.”
The residency process was supported by several gestorías on the island, and Sass wanted to highlight the support of the company Lanzarote Living Consultancy for more complex matters.
“They have helped me with difficult administrative processes, accompanied me to medical appointments and even recent surgeries, helping me to communicate under stress,” he shares.
“Lanzarote gave me something I didn't know I needed”
Sass also highlights the sensitivity and professionalism of the healthcare staff at Molina Orosa, where he was recently operated on: “Everything was managed with care and consideration towards autism. The staff were wonderful, offering additional planning, guidance, and understanding throughout the process.”
Although Alex's Spanish is now much more fluent, they understand that autism can make “unfamiliar systems, official processes, and stressful appointments more difficult to understand or cope with.”
Autism in the tech industry
Sass explains that the field of specialized technology industries is conducive to people with autism, as "they are very analytical, technical, and systems-based sectors."
In fact, he shares that much of his career has been based on "pattern recognition, deep concentration, structured thinking, and the ability to see how people, systems, and behaviors connect."
Since making Lanzarote his home, Alex has not returned to the UK. His clients in the UK and the United States now meet with him via video call from his home in Los Valles.
"Lanzarote gave me something I didn't know I needed," says Alex Sass. "It gave me space, calm, kindness, and the ability to continue doing serious work without having to constantly fight against the environment around me," he adds.
Lanzarote, "an ideal place for autistic digital professionals"
Alex believes that Lanzarote has a clear appeal "for anyone working remotely in digital, creative, strategic, or technological sectors, especially for those who need a more serene and predictable work environment. The island offers the space for a more balanced life, without forcing professionals to sacrifice connectivity."
With modern connection speeds, Starlink availability, and a growing local IT support community, Alex believes "the island works both practically and emotionally."
"Sometimes people imagine island life as something disconnected," says Alex. "In reality, I can sit in Los Valles and work with London, New York, or anywhere else via video call. The connection speeds, local IT support, and the island's pace make it very possible."
Alex believes many people don't realize how many professionals with highly specialized skills already live and thrive in places like Lanzarote.
"There are people in Lanzarote doing highly specialized digital work for organizations around the world"
They are not in large office towers or corporate districts, but "they are here, running agencies, advising major brands, creating online businesses, supporting public bodies, and working across countries from villages, estates, and small island communities.”
“The old idea that serious digital work has to happen in a big city simply isn’t true anymore,” says the tech entrepreneur. “There are people here doing very specialized jobs for organizations all over the world. They aren’t always seen, but it works.”
According to Sass, Lanzarote has also proven capable of sustaining much more than simple freelance work. He himself manages complex online systems, digital advertising activities, e-commerce services, secure work for clients, and powerful computer systems from the island.
Living in Los Valles, “a warm, respectful, and welcoming community”
The climate also helps. From his home in Los Valles, Alex can use advanced technology with solar energy, combining serious digital work with a more sustainable and independent way of life.
Recent support for digitalization in Spain, including the Kit Digital “Secure Workstation” program, has also helped freelancers and small businesses access secure work equipment and cybersecurity tools. Alex believes this type of practical support is important for entrepreneurs managing modern online businesses from smaller communities.
“The only final barrier is probably the tax bill,” he jokes. “But for us, it’s a price we gladly pay for the life, safety, support, and community we’ve found here.”
"Lanzarote brings together awareness of neurodiversity, LGTBI acceptance, space, climate, digital infrastructure, and local support"
The fact that there is increasing awareness on the island about neurodiversity has also made a difference. Many large events “already include low-stimulation spaces or calmer access times,” while local health services, including support in the Villa de Teguise, have been welcoming and understanding of his autism.
The community itself has also been important. Alex Sass and his partner have found in their neighbors in Los Valles a warm, respectful, and welcoming attitude towards them as a same-sex couple.
For the British entrepreneur, the combination of neurodiversity awareness, LGTBI acceptance, space, climate, digital infrastructure, and local support makes Lanzarote an uncommon and very valuable place for entrepreneurs with unique needs.
A platform to detect autism: AutisticOrNot
That stability has helped Sass launch AutisticOrNot, a website created for adults who suspect they may be autistic but face long waiting times or high costs to obtain a formal diagnosis. The platform is designed to help people understand themselves better while they wait, offering a structured and accessible starting point, not a substitute for a clinical evaluation.
Waiting times for autism diagnosis in adults remain a challenge in many countries, and Sass is clear that there is still much to be done globally to support neurodivergent adults. However, he believes Lanzarote deserves recognition for the role it has played in allowing him not only to continue his international work but also to create something new for others.
“Lanzarote hasn’t made autism disappear,” adds the tech entrepreneur. “It has done something better. It has made life more possible. That’s why I want to thank the island, the people here, and the organizations that have helped make this a place where someone like me can work, live, and contribute.”
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