Hi I'm Cara
I’m an autism and ADHD advisory consultant with over 18 years of experience in special educational needs education and consulting.
I began my career as a qualified specialist teacher in a special school, and for the past decade, I’ve worked as an autism advisor within a local authority, supporting neurodivergent children and young people, their families, and the professionals who work with them.
In my advisory role, I supported twenty mainstream primary schools, working alongside SENCOs, teachers, and support staff to enhance understanding, foster acceptance, and build inclusive environments where autistic, AuDHD and ADHD children and young people felt valued and understood. My work included individual child observations, tailored advice, and the development of SEN support plans, as well as delivering a wide range of autism-specific training and workshops for whole-school staff.
Alongside school support, I have extensive experience of providing post-diagnostic guidance to families, delivering parent training, and offering practical, compassionate advice to help parents nurture and empower their neurodivergent children at home and in everyday life.
I’m passionate about helping neurodivergent children and young people reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. My approach is neuro-affirming and rooted in lived experience. I support children in understanding and embracing their neurodivergent identity, while also helping parents and professionals better understand what it truly means to be neurodivergent and how to create the nurturing environments they need to thrive.
Qualifications
BA Hons
PGCE secondary education
Qualified Teacher Status
Enhanced DBS certified
SERVICES
For Families
Pre-Diagnostic Support
Support and advice for families whose children are awaiting assessment or in the early stages of exploring a neurodivergent profile.
Post-Diagnostic Support
Compassionate guidance for parents and carers following an autism or ADHD diagnosis—helping you understand what it means for your child and how to move forward with confidence.
Child & Young Person Support
Neuro-affirming mentoring and emotional support for neurodivergent children and young people, recognising and affirming their unique experiences and perspectives.
Parent/Carer Consultations & Mentoring
One-to-one consultations offering tailored advice, emotional support, and practical strategies to help you support your child’s needs at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Parent/Carer Training
To build knowledge, strategies and ways to support your child understand their neurodivergent identity.
For Schools & Professionals
Bespoke Autism & ADHD Training
Customised training and workshops for educators, SENCOs, and support staff focusing on building understanding, inclusive practices, and strategies to support neurodivergent learners.
Staff Consultations & Support
Advice and collaborative planning for classroom adaptations, individual support plans, and inclusive approaches tailored to the needs of autistic, AuDHD and ADHD students.
TESTIMONIALS
I was new to the Borough, school and SENCo role and Cara’s input was so valuable to not only me but our Reception team, the child himself and his family.
Cara also advised us on ways forward with our highest need child and that was the beginning of us thinking differently about how we could meet his needs and what provision to provide for him. This year we have put together a whole new holistic timetable for him and Cara's input has been so important in shaping this. The positive difference this is making to both the child himself and the TAs who work with him is clear to see. Everyone is re-energised and enjoying learning together.
This year Cara has again worked with our Reception team which has helped guide us to facilitate our first minimally verbal child's needs, providing him with rich language learning opportunities.
Cara also ran some Autism training for the whole school team to help everyone think about how we can better meet the needs of our autistic children.
I wanted to take the time to make sure you know how much it is appreciated and how brilliant we as a school think Cara is.
Michelle Williams, SENCO
Cara has been an outstanding source of support for our school community. Her deep understanding of autism and ADHD, combined with a caring and practical approach, has made a real difference to many of our pupils. Cara always took time to listen, guide, and empower us to understand children’s needs and to work positively with us.
Headteacher, St Mary's EN4
It was always a privilege to work with Cara, she provided our team with invaluable guidance and support. Her advice about autistic children was consistently thorough, thoughtful and truly child centred. Every strategy she recommended was grounded in strong evidence, yet communicated in a clear and practical way that made it easy for staff to apply within the classroom.
Cara always responded promptly and listened carefully to the needs and concerns of staff, parents and children. Her feedback and observations were reflective and insightful, and her recommendations were tailored to the unique needs of each individual child. Cara's inclusive approach and commitment to helping autistic children helped us ensure that children were fully integrated in the classroom, playtimes and wider curriculum.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Cara. She brought warmth, professionalism and deep expertise to her role.
Sophie Sanctuary, Assistant Head, Wren Academy
Cara's understanding of autism and ADHD is incredible, but it’s her kindness and patience that really stand out. Cara listened without judgement, explained everything clearly, and helped me to find realistic strategies that actually work for our daughter. I now feel more confident, calmer, and better informed. I am so grateful for Cara's guidance and care.
Maria, Parent
Cara supported my school as our Autism advisory teacher for ten years. Cara delivered high quality training for staff and also supported our children individually to create tailored support plans. Cara has a wealth of knowledge and experience about autism and her advice always reflected this. Cara helped us to understand key strategies in supporting children with regulation and sensory needs. She helped us to create safe and predictable spaces in our classrooms and provided us with resources that helped our children to thrive in school. We were very fortunate to work with such a committed and highly skilled professional. Cara’s support was invaluable.
Caroline Griffiths, SENCO