This year, we are celebrating 20 years of the National Autistic Society in Northern Ireland (NI). Although I wasn’t there for its inception, I have spent an incredible 17 years working here in different roles. 

And WOW! Never did I imagine when I joined that I would be here for that length of time, but I think that speaks to the amazing autistic people and families I have had the pleasure of working with, alongside the most dedicated staff teams who want to create a world that works for autistic people.

My journey with the National Autistic Society NI has been inspired by my son Calum, who was four when I joined. Calum is autistic, non-speaking and has high support needs. My profound love for him is what inspires me every day to try and ensure that autistic people and their families get the support they need and deserve. When I first joined the National Autistic Society, we had a very small and make-do office on Botanic Avenue, very far removed from the state-of-the-art Autism Centre we are now based in.

So much has happened over the last 20 years that it is difficult to pick out just a few highlights, but here goes. My first report and campaign was called I Exist in 2008, which highlighted the needs of autistic adults and the lack of support. This campaign was probably one of the first times that there had been a focus on autistic adults. While autistic adults are now very much part of the conversation, there is still an enormous way to go to ensure they get a timely assessment, diagnosis and the appropriate support. There have been numerous strategies and legislation on autism in Northern Ireland, and the National Autistic Society NI has always been at the centre of these initiatives. 

In 2024, we launched our Forgotten Voices campaign, which is focused on highlighting the needs of autistic people with high support needs. We are still tirelessly and passionately advocating for access to residential care and short breaks, and we have had many successful conversations in consultation with Ministers, including the Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. 

I am an ardent believer that families can derive some of the best support from others in the same situation. In 2019, the National Autistic Society NI built its first Autism Centre in Carryduff, a state-of-the-art building designed with the needs of autistic people at its core. The centre operates during weekdays as a day provision for adults with high support needs. On evenings and weekends, it runs programmes for autistic children, adults and their families, ensuring the widest possible use. 

This year, during our 20th Anniversary, we will be opening our new Autism Centre in Randalstown, and we are delighted that we will be able to provide even more support to autistic people and their families in Northern Ireland. This centre was made possible by the unbelievable generosity of the Gillan Family, who built the premises and donated it to us and to whom we are so thankful. 

Our 20th Anniversary is a significant milestone, and in my time with the charity, I have been blessed to have worked with some of the most dedicated, knowledgeable and inspirational autistic people, families, staff and volunteers. 

Here’s to the next 20 years!