Viv Dawes Autistic Advocate
Nominee Profile
Location: Hampshire
I am an experienced and straight talking late identified neurodivergent advocate, trainer, consultant and author who is AuDHD and PDA. I'm also the parent of a ND young adult. I am a deeply passionate and articulate public speaker and bring awareness and understanding about autistic and other neurodivergent burnout and mental health to anyone who will listen. I have written and had published numerous groundbreaking books that have significantly helped neurodivergent individuals, parents and professionals including teachers, social workers, police & mental health professionals to understand the nature of autistic burnout and what helps with recovery. In 2022 I submitted written evidence to the parliamentary health and social care committee regarding autistic burnout that was published on parliament's website.
I meet virtually with many neurodivergent individuals and parents of neurodivergent children and teens, mostly to discuss their experiences of burnout and what can help with the recovery journey. I also run regular webinars and training programmes for parents and professionals including a 5 week course for parents of ND teens.
In 2024 I started the Autistic Burnout Network which is made up of neurodivergent professionals including psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and Occupational Therapists. We run a yearly conference on autistic burnout and recovery.
Since 2023 I have run a virtual support group for parents of children experiencing autistic burnout, which has been a validating, safe space for parents to ask questions, share their concerns and ideas of what works for their neurodivergent children, who are mostly at home unable to access education whilst they recover. This has grown and now includes a WhatsApp group.
I have now also started a new support group for late identified neurodivergent people who are 50+ where older neurodivergent people can connect, share their experiences and gain insight about what it means to be neurodivergent.
I meet virtually with many neurodivergent individuals and parents of neurodivergent children and teens, mostly to discuss their experiences of burnout and what can help with the recovery journey. I also run regular webinars and training programmes for parents and professionals including a 5 week course for parents of ND teens.
In 2024 I started the Autistic Burnout Network which is made up of neurodivergent professionals including psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists and Occupational Therapists. We run a yearly conference on autistic burnout and recovery.
Since 2023 I have run a virtual support group for parents of children experiencing autistic burnout, which has been a validating, safe space for parents to ask questions, share their concerns and ideas of what works for their neurodivergent children, who are mostly at home unable to access education whilst they recover. This has grown and now includes a WhatsApp group.
I have now also started a new support group for late identified neurodivergent people who are 50+ where older neurodivergent people can connect, share their experiences and gain insight about what it means to be neurodivergent.