I have had the privilege of professionally collaborating with and supporting autistic learners and their families for over 20 years, both here in the UK and in Canada. My career has taken me on an incredible learning journey about autism, and I have watched the world begin to sit up and recognise neurodiversity. I also watched the story of Auti-ms unfold here in Bristol, as a group of strangers came together to start to address the underdiagnosis and under recognition of autism in girls and women. With my professional career path changing, in 2021 I embraced the opportunity to become a trustee, and my place in the world of autism took on a new shape and a new meaning.

My goal as a trustee is to increase awareness of autism in girls and women, but to also start to address the real and devastating challenges of not being able to get a diagnosis. Without a diagnosis girls and women report that they are left on their own, with a feeling of being unmoored, and it can prevent them from living their lives to the fullest potential.

Beyond better diagnostic tools and opportunities, I vehemently believe there also needs to be an investment in supports for the development of social opportunities, training and education opportunities, mental health resources, sexual education and family supports.

My aim is help Auti-ms start to make change at the local level here in Bristol, where there is (like everywhere else) a substantial knowledge, funding, and support gap. I hope one day to see an awakening and understanding about the incredible things which autistic women have to offer the world!