In this episode Tina Davies and Lyndsey Todd the founders of Autizma, share their experiences of navigating the system advocating for their neuordiverse children and then how this led them to set up their own CIC. They explain how they have used their own experiences to support others and how Autizma has now evolved into a Housing CIC to create homes for people with a learning disability and/or autism. Lyndsey explains how her own lived experience of neurodiversity has helped her understand and advocate for those with no voice. In this episode you will hear practical advice for parents about working with professionals and advice for professionals working with parents. Tina Davies is the Director of Autisma CIC and a passionate advocate and coach for families of neurodivergent individuals. She holds qualifications in care, autism and psychology and combines professional knowledge with extensive lived experience supporting autistic individuals and those with complex needs. As the mother of three neurodivergent children, Tina has firsthand experience navigating health, care, education and housing systems. Through determination and advocacy, she successfully secured and established a supported housing arrangement for her own daughter, creating a stable environment that meets her complex needs. This journey inspired Tina to establish Autisma CIC to help other families access safe, stable and well-managed housing environments and to support care providers in delivering services within appropriate housing arrangements.Lyndsey Todd is training director, as an autistic professional, trainer and speaker specialising in neurodiversity, autism awareness and inclusive practice. Drawing on both lived experience and professional expertise, Lyndsey provides powerful insight into the realities of neurodivergent life and the importance of creating environments that support communication, regulation and understanding. Lyndsey delivers engaging and practical training sessions that support professionals, organisations and families to better understand autism, sensory processing differences and neurodivergent communication. Her work promotes compassionate, informed and person-centred approaches across education, health and social care settings. Lyndsey’s perspective as an autistic professional helps bridge the gap between policy, theory and real-life experience, helping organisations create environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Autisma CIC is a parent-led organisation focused on improving outcomes for autistic individuals and those with complex needs through housing support, advocacy, training and environmental understanding. Their work is informed by lived experience, professional knowledge and a commitment to creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Autizma provides support to families, care providers, housing partners and organisations, helping to bridge the gap between care, housing and lived experience. Autism provides supported housing and housing management, sensory and environmental assessments to help identify how physical environments may impact autistic individuals. Autizma can support families and professionals in identifying suitable housing arrangements for individuals with complex needs. Autizma provides advocacy and coaching for families navigating complex systems, including housing, education, health and care services. Autizma also offers training and awareness sessions to help organisations better understand neurodiversity. Family support Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/341288696274942/?ref=share Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutizmaCIC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-davies-592097118?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Website: https://www.autizma.co.uk/
