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Autistic Realms
Neurodiversity-Affirming Support To Help Autistic People Thrive And Grow
Helen Edgar
Autistic Advocate, Author & Consultant
I’m an Autistic parent and teacher advocating for a better understanding of neurodivergence and
mental health in both education and the wider community.
About Me
I am late identified Autistic and a parent to two neurodivergent children.
Qualified Early Years/Primary teacher:
20 years working in SEND Early Years / Primary settings near Birmingham in the UK
(specialism: profound and multiple learning disabilities ).
About My Work
Published writer focusing on; Autism, disability rights, neurodiversity paradigm, and barriers in education
Special interests include:
Theory of Monotropism and Burnout
Currently working with Thriving Autistic, GROVE Education and Mentoring, The PDA Space and Stimpunks
References on request.
Supporting Young Autistic People in Education and at Home
Discover neurodiversity-affirming resources to help you develop a better understanding of Autism to support the well-being of young Autistic people in educational settings and the family home.
Neurodiversity-Affirming
Webinars, Workshops and Training
Providing neurodiversity-affirming training, workshops, and educational resources for families and professionals to support young neurodivergent people.
CPD-Accredited Professional Training
Tracy Jones and I are working together to provide training for schools and organisations. We explore neurodiversity-affirming ways of supporting Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children and young people in education.
These training sessions are designed for settings in the UK and can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Lectures, seminars, and workshops are also available for organisations, teacher-training, education, health, and social care course providers.
Delivered by our sister brand Neuro-Affirming Training.
Workshops
- Neuro-affirming Autistic identity
- Low-demand parenting and teaching strategies
- Methods to support young people who may be experiencing barriers to education
- Understanding burnout and exploring ways forward
- Embracing the theory of Monotropism
I offer bespoke workshops and webinars tailored to individual organisations to meet the needs of neurodivergent families. My work focuses on developing an understanding of:
Free Resources & Shop
Downloadable resources including e-books, infographics, and more!
My Values
Being
Neurodiversity-affirming support for young Autistic people. I recognise differences as unique attributes rather than deficits.
My work is trauma-informed and strengths-based to help focus on an individual’s capabilities and potential whilst also recognising the difficulties being neurodivergent can bring in a world not set up for us. I take a low-demand approach, which creates a supportive environment that allows for the development of meaningful connections so individuals can express their authentic selves and advocate for their needs.
Belonging
A sense of belonging is important for well-being. To enable young Autistic people to flourish they first need to feel accepted, to feel understood and to have a sense of belonging.
Developing meaningful relationships and being in an environment that meets sensory, social, and communication needs is really important for fostering a sense of belonging and supporting good mental and physical health. My writing, resources and signposting all promote a neuro-affirming practice so people can make sense of their lives and feel that they belong.
Becoming
Young Autistic people deserve to be able to embrace their authentic Autistic identity. I believe it is important to gain an understanding of Autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens and to reject the pathologising paradigms that have caused so much harm to neurodivergent people.
Understanding and embracing the neurodiversity paradigm will help parents, carers, and professionals support young Autistic people in becoming the people they want to be. We want everyone to achieve their potential and to be able to thrive in the best ways that work for them.
Writing
I write about my personal journey and the understanding I have gained so far about being Autistic and through working with Autistic young people and their families.
My writing focuses on understanding the neurodiversity paradigm, embracing neuro-affirming theory and practice, and working towards a humanistic approach to care. I believe in the benefits of developing an understanding of Autistic identity so that people feel empowered to advocate for themselves or support their loved ones or those they work with. It is by developing a deeper understanding of Autistic experience that we can build connections and form communities and a sense of belonging.
Partnerships and Collaborations
I’m active in the neurodivergent community and regularly collaborate with like-minded creatives and advocates. Together, we explore various aspects of neurodiversity and produce content to support people, families, and the community.
As Seen In…
Learn More and Contact
All images are created on Canva unless otherwise stated.
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
This license requires that reusers give credit to Helen Edgar (Autistic Realms) as creator. It allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form and for noncommercial purposes only.
© BY: Credit must be given to Helen Edgar (Autistic Realms)
© NC: Only noncommercial use of Helen Edgar’s (Autistic Realms) work is permitted. Noncommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation.
ND: No derivatives or adaptations of my work are permitted.