TEAM AUTISM: The Journey

Every movement begins with a spark. For Susan, that spark was a simple misunderstanding.

While working in Retirement Housing, Susan had a communication breakdown with an Autistic resident. Determined to understand and do better, she enrolled in an Autism Awareness Course. What Susan didn’t realise was that this moment would change not only her career, but her family’s life forever.

During the course, Susan recognised something deeply personal — her daughter, Daniella, might also be autistic. At first, Daniella dismissed the idea. But after attending the same course, she had a revelation: “This explains my whole life.”

The path to diagnosis was long and exhausting. Eventually, Daniella was formally diagnosed with Autism. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, she turned it into a source of strength — co-delivering Autism Awareness training and inspiring others through her lived experience.

But Daniella also noticed a shocking gap, the lack of support given to people after diagnosis (especially for those without a learning disability), and how little help there was for Autistic adults to actually understand their own autism. Instead of accepting this, she took action — writing a unique course specifically for Autistic adults, helping them learn more about their autism, gain self-awareness, and build confidence in who they are.

Meanwhile, Susan threw herself into learning more. She completed countless courses, even studying with the Open University. But above all, she learned from Autistic adults themselves — the real experts.

When Covid-19 hit, Daniella and Susan didn’t let isolation win. They set up WhatsApp groups, Zoom calls, and online activities to keep people connected and supported. They saw, first-hand, the strength of the Autistic community when given the chance to connect.

But they also saw a glaring truth: services for Autistic adults without learning disabilities in Cumbria were practically non-existent. Waiting lists stretched endlessly, and too many people fell through the cracks.

So, with encouragement from friends, professionals, and the Autistic community, Susan took the leap. She founded TEAM AUTISM CIC — a Community Interest Company built to enable real, accessible, and meaningful peer support for Autistic adults and their families across Cumbria.

Team Autism is facilitated by Susan who was recently diagnosed ADHD and Autistic Adults who all give their time voluntarily. We do not have our own building so have to hire venues.

Now, we need you.

Your support will help us to continue to:

This isn’t just Susan and Daniella’s journey — it’s a community’s journey. With your help, we can create a future where Autistic adults in Cumbria don’t just survive, they thrive.

Join us. Support TEAM AUTISM CIC. Be part of the journey.

www.teamautism.co.uk