Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am an autistic mum of autistic children. I was diagnosed with Aspergers 4 years ago.

I campaign against autistic mistreatments and have worked extensively with the police and social services here in the UK and abroad.

I also write and have a blog and two published books on autism. One is “It’s An Autism Thing I’ll Help You Understand It” and the other is “Susie Spins”.

Both aim to educate and give a better understanding of Autism and promote acceptance.

What is it you do?

Once my youngest son was diagnosed I opened a Facebook support group for other autistics and parents of autistic kids. We have found that the best way for parents to learn how to support their children is from autistic adults. Sadly we are often discounted in favour of ‘professionals’.

I also run the organisation http://autisticinclusivemeets.com/ along with some wonderful directors. We are autistic led and have the direction of getting autistics and their parents/caregivers if applicable out into the community.

I run soon to be two weekly groups both based in Woolwich.

What inspires you to keep doing what you are doing?

My children’s future. My children and all others deserve to grow up in a society where they are accepted and included.

Right now we are treated as a disease or an injury to be cured…a puzzle to be solved.

That needs to change!

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I hope AIM will have a physical base, our own building. I hope to have another book out as well.

Is there anything else you want to tell us?

Please sign the attached petition as I now have over 55,000 signatures on it.

Also please remember to only give prescribed medication to your children, please do not use unproven unregulated ‘treatments’ on them.

There is not a cure for Autism.

Emma has asked that you all check out her petition:

https://www.change.org/p/phillip-dunne-make-autistic-cures-illegal-in-the-uk

And her organisation website:

http://www.stasspublications.co.uk/publications/its-an-autism-thing-will-help-you-understand