Our Story

Trish has over 30 years of health and social care experience, including assessing carers' needs in primary care.  She is an experienced adult autism/ADHD specialist consultant, specialising in supporting adults who have had a recent ASC/ADHD diagnosis or have been diagnosed as an adult (10 years). Trish was diagnosed with a Neurodivergent condition in 2023. In 2019 Trish gained a masters degree in mental health and psychotherapy.

Trish is an experienced support group facilitator (21years) and has facilitated many adult autism groups, carers support groups, mental health support groups, and parent carer support groups (of adults and children). 

Trish also provides limited one-to-one support via her business 'Trish Alongside Autism' for autistic adults, their family, and their employers. Please contact Trish directly for more information at [email protected]

Freya was late-diagnosed as autistic (and ADHD) having spent six decades not knowing why life felt so difficult. During her working life she has managed teams of volunteers in the charity shop sector, assessed applications for lottery funding for the Big Lottery Fund, and spent over fifteen years working for Citizens Advice, as a volunteer and later as a paid specialist benefits adviser. 

She is particularly interested in working to improve provision for autistic patients in the health care system, both in primary and secondary care, and also in the areas of both physical and mental health. Freya also has a strong interest in working to improve employment opportunities for other autistic people who want to work. It is vital to inform employers how the skills and aptitudes of autistic people can enhance different working environments and benefit their businesses/services.  We need to find ways of supporting autistic people to identify their strengths, interests and the adjustments they might need to obtain and enjoy work, either with employers, as self employed, or in a voluntary capacity.

I am a retired NHS GP, having ceased medical practice in 2013. Now in my mid 70s, I was identified as autistic at the age of 69. Since childhood I had always felt different from my peers, not ‘fitting in’ as others did. I had considerable mental health difficulties particularly during my adolescent and early adult years. My self confidence increased after eventually qualifying as a doctor, and ultimately finding that I could in fact function successfully in the role. It was a long and difficult journey, in an era when there was no modern concept of autism, and little useful support available. I obtained confirmation of my diagnosis by private assessment, not because I needed support at that stage of my life, but in the hope of explaining the previously inexplicable. So it proved.

In my retirement I have volunteered in various roles, and have been involved in Dimensions for Autism, the excellent Devon-wide support group for autistic adults without learning disability. I had no hesitation in volunteering for the new Devon Autistic Ambassadors Scheme, as I believe there is so much need for those with lived experience to have a meaningful input to service planning and delivery for autistic people. I hope I can play some part in effecting positive change.

Monika is a late diagnosed autistic female who brings both lived experience and professional depth to her work as an Autism Ambassador. She is a therapist specialising in support after diagnosis, alcohol dependency and domestic abuse. All three are very common within the autistic community and are frequently misunderstood, minimised or missed altogether. 

Monika is dedicated to sharing her experience and knowledge with autistic adults in a way that is honest, respectful and rooted in real life. 

She strongly believes in the importance of support for autistic people in adulthood. Her work is focused on increasing understanding and acceptance, challenging inaccurate beliefs about autism, and raising awareness of both the real struggles autistic people face and the strengths and skills that exist within the autistic community.

As Devon Autism Ambassador, Monika is committed to improving visibility, understanding and meaningful support for autistic adults across the county. 

Laurence was late diagnosed with Autism. He would not have had the 'unconventional' life experiences, possibly, if he had known. He has always had creative ideas, enjoyed problem solving and with a 'can do' attitude coupled with an insatiable appetite to run with opportunities placed in front of him makes for a dynamic individual. Since moving to Devon 3 years ago and has been heavily involved with all aspects of Dimensions for Autism, is a co-facilitator of the North Devon group as well as being a Devon Autism Ambassador. Laurence has pulled his wide ranging knowledge and skill base to evolve his current passion in developing Truly Affordable Housing with living adjustments for the Autism Community of Devon and beyond. His work is presented with the formation of this website, Devon Autism Housing Company, Day and Night Pod, Dimensions Times - DFA Newsletter, The Cool Autism Social and North Devon Autism Social.