About Helen Edgar
Autistic Advocate, Author & Consultant
“Opening pathways toward authentic identity and belonging”
she/they
Helen Edgar
I’m the founder of Autistic Realms. I support Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people, families, and professionals to understand Autistic experiences through the theory of monotropism and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Late-identified AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD)
Writer, Educator & Parent to two neurodivergent children
I have a deep interest in bringing the theory of monotropism into practical, relational contexts: translating Autistic ways of thinking, sensing, and attending into accessible tools and resources that can help transform how Autistic lives are understood and supported, enabling people to thrive.
My Story
For over twenty years, I taught in Early Years and Primary settings near Birmingham in the UK, specialising in SEND, including supporting pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).
My experiences revealed how systems shape access, identity, and well-being — and how unmet needs can lead to distress, physical/mental health challenges, and burnout. These insights led me to create Autistic Realms in 2022.
I aim to help people understand themselves or those they support, advocate for change, and build environments where Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people can genuinely belong.
My philosophy is relational and justice-oriented. I recognise that thriving is not an individual achievement but a collective process rooted in safety. My aim is not only to challenge the systems that restrict neurodivergent people’s lives, but to reshape understanding so that collective flourishing becomes possible on our own terms.
Who I Work With
I work with:
- Autistic people seeking understanding and self-advocacy
- Parents and carers navigating support systems
- Professionals who want to develop neurodiversity-affirming practice
- Organisations committed to creating inclusive environments
How My Work Helps
I help people to:
- Recognise neurodivergent differences as meaningful ways of being (not as deficits)
- Navigate education, workplace, and healthcare systems with confidence
- Create environments that align with Autistic attention, energy, and sensory needs
- Move beyond mere coping and into sustainable, connected flourishing
What I Do
I integrate academic research, lived experience, community knowledge, and creative practice to offer tools, training, and resources that support families, educators, and practitioners.
🎓 Training & Workshops
Neurodiversity-affirming training for schools, organisations, and healthcare providers across the UK and internationally.
📚 Writing & Resources
Published articles, e-books, infographics, and educational materials covering monotropism, burnout, and affirming practice.
🤝 Consultancy
One-to-one and organisational consultancy to develop neurodiversity-affirming approaches and environments.
🎙️ Speaking & Webinars
Guest lectures, conference presentations, and podcast appearances sharing insights on Autistic experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family Support
Free resources and guidance for parents/carers supporting young Autistic people experiencing barriers to education or burnout.
🌐 Community Building
Connecting people and weaving ideas across communities to create networks of mutual support and advocacy.
Ethics & Values
My work is grounded in the values of the neurodiversity movement and disability justice. I am committed to neurodiversity-affirming, rights-based practice and am against any behaviourist approaches.
Neurodiversity Affirming
Rights-Based
Strengths-Focused
Compassionate
Justice-Oriented
Community-Led
Member & Affiliate
Proud member of these organisations advocating for Autistic rights and wellbeing
Listen & Watch
Podcasts, interviews, and presentations exploring monotropism, burnout, and Autistic experience
🎙️ PODCAST
Interview with Helen Edgar (on the topics of Monotropism, Autistic Burnout, Reclaiming Rest, Masking & more)
The Autism Podcast
A deep dive into how Autistic attention shapes experience, why burnout happens, and how reclaiming rest becomes a radical and restorative practice.
🎙️ PODCAST
DIY, Mutual Aid, and Human-Centered Learning for Neurodivergent and Disabled People w/ Stimpunks
Human Restoration Project with Stimpunks
Discussing neurodivergent-led education, mutual aid, and creating learning spaces for disabled people.
🎬 VIDEO
Interview with Helen Edgar (on the topics of Monotropism, Autistic Burnout, Reclaiming Rest, Mask…
The Autism Podcast (London Autism Group)
In this episode, Helen shares her journey of late AuDHD identification and takes us on a deep dive into the theory of Monotropism
🎬 VIDEO
Helen @AutisticRealms-w4k – slow down AND
The Sensory Projects
Helen from Autistic Realms has over 20 years experience of teaching people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, her first tip is to slow down and take time…
🎬 VIDEO
Lightbulb Moments: Being Autistic
Thriving Autistic
Lightbulb Moments: Being Autistic is a short animated film capturing the powerful realisations shared by Autistic adults as they discover more about themselves—and each other.
🎬 VIDEO
Live Q&A (recording) – Monotropism and Autistic Parenting with Tanya Adkin and Helen Edgar
Autistic Parents UK
Helen Edgar joined Tanya Adkin for a Q&A session on the subject of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
Featured in
Advocacy & Campaigns
I endorse and support campaigns that advocate for Autistic rights, challenge harmful practices, and push for systemic change.
Recognise Autistic Burnout
Campaigning for schools, CAMHS, and professionals to officially recognise and accept autistic burnout.
Unauthorised Absence Documentary
Supporting this vital documentary exploring the impact of school absence policies on neurodivergent children.
Open Letter: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
Advocating for neurodiversity-affirming approaches in speech and language therapy.
Open Letter to RCSLT
Calling for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices.
View my Portfolio Below
(click to enlarge)
Beyond Work
Outside of Autistic Realms, I’m currently exploring concepts that consider the potential of “More-Than” neurodiversity on my More Realms website.
I’m an avid reader, but when I’m not tucked away in my forest-themed den, I like exploring the nearby woodlands behind my home with my children and dog , Benji and take lots of photos of mushrooms. I have a deep love of water — sea, rivers, streams. I’ve spent years collecting crystals and faery things, and love nice scented candles and pretty lights.
I live with my husband, children, four cats, and one very large, very fluffy Golden Doodle dog. 🐕
🍄 Mushroom Photography
📚 Reading
🌊 Water & Rivers
🔮 Crystals
🧚 Faery Things
🌲 Woodlands
Ready to Go Further?
If you’d like to deepen your understanding of Autistic experience or bring neurodiversity-affirming practice into your home, workplace, or organisation:
Work With Me
Training, consultancy, and collaborative projects tailored to your needs.
Explore Resources
Articles, guides, infographics, and e-books covering monotropism, burnout, and more.
Get In Touch
Questions, collaborations, or just want to say hello?
Read some testimonials and feedback | Leave a Google Review
Contact: autisticrealms@gmail.com | www.autisticrealms.com
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.