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Paul most recently worked as a university lecturer and engineer. As a lecturer he enjoyed teaching students and gravitated towards additional supporting roles, such as welfare and careers tutor. He also previously worked at a college for adults with learning disabilities. Within this role he set up a new area of the curriculum, called Science and Nature, where students were encouraged to explore and conserve the natural world.

Paul now cares for his 6-year-old autistic son, William, as well as providing support for those in relatable situations. He does this through The Autism Adventure platform. This began as a space for sharing personal experience through TikTok videos, and has expanded to become a support hub where others can learn and connect in relation to autism. Paul is happy to provide guidance to anyone embarking on their own autism journey.

(Please note: Paul's availability is more limited at weekends/school holiday periods, when he cares for William) 

Elisabeth is a writer, a teacher, and an examiner. She has over thirty years’ professional experience of the education system. She currently tutors students who, for whatever reason, are unable to receive education in a mainstream setting. Elisabeth has received extensive training in how to meet the needs of students with additional needs.

Elisabeth has first-hand experience of the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism and communication difficulties. She understands the immense stress of gaining a diagnosis and the EHC process, as well as how to support a child as they make the move into adulthood and greater independence. She has given talks and supported parents of children with ASD.

(Please note: Elisabeth has most availability on Tuesdays and Fridays during term time. She has more flexibility during holiday periods)  

  Joanne Jones is a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist with more than 22 years’ experience of working with Early Years children in the NHS and as the founder of her own preschool.

Worldwide, she now helps thousands of parents online – giving them the knowledge and tools needed to support their child's speech, language and communication needs.

Famous for her empowering speech therapy programme for late-talking children, ‘Can-Do’, Joanne focuses on what the children can do and gentle ways for them to feel connected and confident so as to grow their communication skills.

A member of The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, Joanne has appeared on BBC Radio and ‘The One Show’.

      I live in Canberra, Australia. I’m 26 years old. I was diagnosed with ASD after moving away from my parents at 23, subsequently then getting put on ADHD meds, which has significantly helped. I’ve had a Vision Impairment since birth. 

I am currently pursuing a Career in education, particularly focusing on primary aged children. I have a special interest in inclusive education, I currently work in a mainstream OSHC program at my local primary school, but have worked as a Learning Support Assistant before Covid. 

I have both lived experience with autism, as well as experience with working with children on the spectrum. I like to research and help families come up with ideas to make life more inclusive for their child. 

I also have a fairly good grasp on the NDIS in Australia. 

I would like to both act as a mentor for other people on the spectrum, but also offer help and advice to families living with those on the spectrum. 

       I am Lesley. A 57 year old retired mother of two from Norfolk UK, and a wheelchair user.

I left school in 1982 with no qualifications, but after marrying and starting a family I registered as a childminder. When my children started school I stopped childminding and began volunteering at a local school for children with complex learning, physical, emotional and medical needs aged 7-17. I soon did some vocational qualifications and then achieved a full time job supporting pupils with their learning, particularly maths, and life skills.

During this time my eldest son was diagnosed autistic and following that, plus experience from my working environment, and comparing it to my childhood and life, I realised that I am autistic too.

I was formally diagnosed with autism in 2018, and with adhd the following year. 

Having had a lifetime of mental health difficulties the diagnosis was a revelation. My mental health improved almost overnight. 

I consider myself experienced and knowledgeable in most aspects of living with autism, as I have developed many strategies to deal with things I find difficult.  I also have 18 years experience of supporting autistic children in the classroom.

I like to take every opportunity I can to bust common myths about autism too.