Helen Edgar
Nominee Profile
Location: Birmingham
I am late-identified Autistic and work as an advocate and consultant for Autistic people, promoting human and disability rights. I bring over 20 years of experience as a teacher supporting children and young people in Early Years and SEND settings, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. My work is grounded in the belief that neurodivergent people have the right to dignity, understanding, equitable education and full participation in society.
Founding Autistic Realms enabled me to bring together professional knowledge and personal and parental lived experience to develop neurodiversity-affirming resources, training and consultancy that promote accessible, inclusive, compassionate and rights-based approaches to difference. My writing has been widely published in educational books, academic chapters and professional resources, and is used by families, educators and services both nationally and internationally.
My work centres on the theory of monotropism as an important framework for understanding Autistic attention, learning and wellbeing. I am particularly committed to raising understanding of Autistic burnout, masking and energy regulation, and to supporting families, educators and organisations to create relational and equitable environments where neurodivergent individuals can feel safe, recognised and able to thrive. Through community engagement, publications, webinars, podcasts and conference presentations, I hope to contribute to growing professional and public understanding of Autistic experience in a neuro-affirming way.
I collaborate with local and international organisations, including Thriving Autistic, NeuroHub Community, Stimpunks and GROVE, working collectively to widen access to knowledge, amplify Autistic voices and influence positive social change. I aim to demonstrate how lived experience, research and education can come together to challenge stigma, strengthen belonging and support more inclusive futures.
Founding Autistic Realms enabled me to bring together professional knowledge and personal and parental lived experience to develop neurodiversity-affirming resources, training and consultancy that promote accessible, inclusive, compassionate and rights-based approaches to difference. My writing has been widely published in educational books, academic chapters and professional resources, and is used by families, educators and services both nationally and internationally.
My work centres on the theory of monotropism as an important framework for understanding Autistic attention, learning and wellbeing. I am particularly committed to raising understanding of Autistic burnout, masking and energy regulation, and to supporting families, educators and organisations to create relational and equitable environments where neurodivergent individuals can feel safe, recognised and able to thrive. Through community engagement, publications, webinars, podcasts and conference presentations, I hope to contribute to growing professional and public understanding of Autistic experience in a neuro-affirming way.
I collaborate with local and international organisations, including Thriving Autistic, NeuroHub Community, Stimpunks and GROVE, working collectively to widen access to knowledge, amplify Autistic voices and influence positive social change. I aim to demonstrate how lived experience, research and education can come together to challenge stigma, strengthen belonging and support more inclusive futures.