.png)
.png)
Autistic Parents UK
Autistic Parents UK is an Autistic-led Charity (CIO) committed to supporting Autistic parents in a number of ways:
-
online peer support groups (larger and smaller groups)
-
monthly webinars and live Q&A sessions
-
monthly book giveaways
-
local peer support groups
-
volunteer-led one to one peer support sessions
-
training and professional supervision
We are committed to working reflectively and flexibly to improve our support offering and have many plans for future development.
Our Vision
A world where Autistic parents are empowered, celebrated, and supported to thrive. We envision a society where their unique perspectives are valued, their voices are amplified, and their families flourish without judgement or barriers.
​
Our mission
To cultivate a thriving community where Autistic parents connect, learn, and advocate for themselves and their families. We strive to:
-
Empower: Equip Autistic parents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate parenthood authentically.
-
Connect: Foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging among Autistic parents through peer support and shared experiences.
-
Educate: Provide accurate, relevant information about autism and parenting, dismantling stigma and promoting understanding.
-
Advocate: Champion the rights and well-being of Autistic parents and their families, working towards a more inclusive society.
Our Aims
-
Expand Peer Support Network: Continue to grow and diversify our peer support offerings, providing Autistic parents with multiple channels for connection, including facilitated groups, one-on-one support, and online communities.
-
Enhance Educational Resources: Expand our library of resources created by and for Autistic parents, covering a wide range of topics relevant to their experiences and needs.
-
Deliver Impactful Training: Provide comprehensive training programmes for both Autistic parents and the professionals who support them, promoting understanding, self-advocacy, and positive outcomes for families.
-
Foster Collaboration and Advocacy: Build strong partnerships with relevant organisations, healthcare providers, and educators to advocate for the rights and needs of Autistic parents and their families.
Our Values
.png)
Collaboration
We are a user-led group and we are committed to working collaboratively with our beneficiaries to make sure Autistic Parents UK truly supports the needs of Autistic Parents.
Inclusiveness
We are dedicated to be both inclusive of ALL Autistic parents and of the needs of our volunteers and beneficiaries. We want to proactively address all factors that cause barriers to entry for those involved in the running of APUK and those who access support.
Transparency
We are dedicated to being open and honest about our plans, processes and expenses. We will only fundraise when we have a clear goal and rationale to support it. We will always welcome feedback from our beneficiaries.
Compassion
We support people at what ever stage they are at with their understanding of Autism and being Autistic. We treat all people with understanding, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard.
Our Trustees
Jenni Guthrie
CHAIR & FOUNDING TRUSTEE
Jenni McCabe is Autistic, and a self-identifying ADHDer, she has 3 Autistic children. She is a writer, speaker and social worker with over 15 years of experience in social work practice both in Scotland and England and nearly 25 years working with children and families. She is currently teaching social work students on a master's programme.
Jenni became involved with APUK as she feels passionate about peer community and Autistic-led support, as not only is Autism and other neurodivergence widely misunderstood generally, but especially in relation to parenthood.
Beth Eden
SECRETARY & FOUNDING TRUSTEE
Beth Identified as Autistic in Summer 2020 after a series of events pointed to this as an answer to her questions. She has one child born in 2018.
When looking for support for herself as a newly diagnosed Autistic parent, she realised there wasn’t much available. She wants to be involved in APUK to use her skills to support other Autistic parents.
Beth has ADHD and is involved in many concurrent projects, which can be a challenge, but this has led to knowledge and experience in many different areas.
Beth loves to learn and study. She is particularly interested in neuroscience with a focus on the interactions and connections between the brain, mind and body.
Shona Murphy
FOUNDING TRUSTEE
Shona Murphy is a postgraduate Autism researcher at Edge Hill university researching parent perspectives of fabricated and induced illness in Autistic children in response to the worrying amount of false accusations. She also trains organisations on Autism and has a MA in Autism. Shona is an Autistic parent to two Autistic children.
Having experienced the stigma and social injustice that comes with being an Autistic parent Shona is motivated to support Autistic parents both through research and practically by supporting APUK.
Ayesha Pusey
FOUNDING TRUSTEE
Ayesha is an Autistic parent to 3 Autistic daughters. She also has hEDS, PoTS and MCAS. Ayesha has a background in Health Psychology, bereavement counselling and perinatal education and support. She is currently working as a Specialist Mentor for Mental Health, Autism and ADHD with university students and has PgCert Autism from Sheffield Hallam.
​
Ayesha is passionate about education, peer support and user-led services and hopes to support Autistic Parents UK in making a positive difference to the lives of Autistic parents across the UK.
Kieran Rose
FOUNDING TRUSTEE
Kieran Rose is an Autistic writer, consultant, academic researcher and trainer, with a background in education and service delivery for Autistic people; he is dedicated to creating positive change for Autistic and Neurodivergent people.
He is a parent to three children, two of whom have a diagnosis of Autism; because of this, Kieran has a passion for supporting other Autistic parents whose voices and needs often go unheard, which is why he considers the work of Autistic Parents UK to be vital.
Monique Botha
TRUSTEE
Monique Botha is an autistic and ADHD autism researcher based at the University of Stirling, focusing on the role of minority stress, victimisation, and discrimination and its impact on the mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life for autistic people. Monique is also a co-founder of an organisation called Community Against Prejudice Towards Autistic people which aims to bring together autistic people, researchers, activists, and other stakeholders. Monique is interested in being involved in Autistic Parents UK as a grassroots charity tackling issues faced by an underserved often unacknowledged community.
Tanya Adkin
TRUSTEE
Tanya Adkin is an Autistic Autism specialist and Social Work Assistant. Tanya started her career in a local authority disabled children’s team 18 years ago. She holds post-grad qualifications in autism and is currently undertaking a Masters in Autism.
Tanya has a passion for theory & policy to practice. She works 1-2-1 with Autistic people and their families when they may be considered ‘complex’. She has many years of advocacy and SEND experience.
David Gray-Hammond
TRUSTEE
David is a Queer, Autistic, ADHD, and Schizophrenic author. He works as an independent advocate, mentor, and trainer and Public speaker. He runs the Emergent Divergence Facebook page, and has an infant son. David believes that the work done by APUK is a much needed resource for a demographic of parents who face not only their own discrimination, but discrimination against their children. He believes that Autistic parents should have equitable rights to non-Autistic parents and intends to fight until they do.
Charlotte Rutherford
TRUSTEE
Charlotte is an autistic and ADHD trained peer support facilitator. She is also a stepmum to three children, one of whom is currently awaiting assessment for both autism and ADHD.
Charlotte's experience of late diagnosis and lack of support led her to dedicate her time to making a difference for other neurodivergent people. She is the founder and managing director (since 2021) of Aupeer CIC.
Charlotte is committed to supporting APUK to empower and connect the autistic community.
Penny Wright
TRUSTEE
Penny is an autistic/ ADHD Mum of 4 neurodivergent boys. Penny has a PgCert in Autism (adults) from University of Birmingham, focusing on the strengths and challenges faced by autistic mothers. Penny has worked over the last 8 years as a specialist autism and mental health mentor within higher education. Penny hopes to support APUK to inform positive change to policy and practice and to help to ensure autistic parents receive support, understanding, recognition as valued members of society.
CIO ConstitutioN
A downloadable PDF version of our latest CIO Constitution is available here.