Helen Clarke

Helen Clarke has been privileged to work with autistic children for over twenty five years as a specialist teacher. In addition she has worked with a range of organisations, families, individuals, community groups, and charities including 'The Chartered College' and 'The National Autistic Society'. She has an MA in Education (SEN and Inclusion), is a trained SENDCo and has a degree in Illustration. She has a particular interest in ensuring that autistic girls and women are not disadvantaged by double discrimination and that all autistic people are respected in society.

Helen believes that true inclusion means autistic children being able to be themselves and that adjustments and accommodations should be made where others adapt themselves to each child rather than an expectation that the child needs to change. A 'one size fits all' approach does not benefit autistic children. She wants health and education professionals to better understand how autistic children think, communicate, and experience the world (from a sensory perspective) and is grateful to those who are already working hard to bring about much needed change in these fields.

Helen continues to speak out for autistic children, challenging discriminatory beliefs and practices, and looks forward to an era when autistic children are treated as equals in society.