About us
What we do
Autism Bedfordshire is a charity dedicated to creating a world where autistic people are accepted, understood, and celebrated for who they are. We believe that autism is a natural part of human diversity, and that society is stronger when it embraces neurodivergent voices and perspectives.
Autism Bedfordshire’s services help break down the barriers to social participation for autistic people and their families by providing places where they can go and feel comfortable, accepted and not judged by society. With the encouragement and support of specialist trained staff we help autistic people build their confidence, self-esteem, and social skills through taking part in social activities and mixing with other people. Furthermore, we help them to develop practical skills and independence which will improve their prospects in life and help them be part of the community. Our aspirations are for them to have the same opportunities as people who are not autistic, so that they can enjoy fulfilled and rewarding lives.
How we can help
The physical and emotional stress of looking after an autistic child or adult is a huge strain on the parents and we want them to feel that they are not alone in their struggles. They can come to us for practical advice, information and emotional support so that they will be better equipped to cope with and care for their autistic children and any other siblings. We provide opportunities for them to have a guilt-free break from their caring responsibilities, safe in the knowledge their autistic child is being well looked after by staff who understand the challenges that autism can present.
Communities
Finally, we raise awareness of autism in the community in order to reduce misunderstanding about the condition. Through training and informative talks we educate schools, local businesses and community groups about the sort of behaviours that an autistic person may display and how best to respond to and be supportive of them. With our increasing presence at community events, members of the public can also become more knowledgeable about and accepting of autism. In this way we hope that autistic people will find it easier to engage with and integrate into mainstream society.
Why we exist
Autism Bedfordshire is the only voluntary organisation in the county that is specialised in supporting autistic adults and children. We are also there to support their families who become emotionally battered by the whole experience of supporting their child, fighting for the right services and trying to provide a normal home for the siblings. The need for our services increases due to cuts in spending across the NHS and Social Services. Local Councils are being forced to make significant changes resulting in many people who are on the autistic spectrum being left without the services they need, and rely upon.
Community amenities are often too busy and over-stimulating and the staff are not equipped to understand and support the specific needs of autistic people and young people and so there are limited places they can go to. They are therefore excluded from social, educational and life experiences that others take for granted. Often bullied, their confidence and self-esteem deteriorate and many develop depression and other mental health problems. They need places where they can be themselves and enjoy activities that are designed and run by people who understand their complex needs and anxieties and can support them if they become distressed. They need opportunities to build their confidence and learn skills that will help them cope with and integrate into society. Their parents feel isolated, depressed, emotionally and physically exhausted from looking after their autistic children and fighting for support. They desperately need to have a break and to learn strategies to cope with and support their autistic children. Siblings, often carers too, miss out on ‘normal life’ and need the chance to enjoy activities alongside or away from their autistic brother or sister.
Children can attend our groups over a number of years, so small improvements can be tracked and we have seen how these have led to significant improvements in their ability to function in the ‘real’ world. We have seen children who first came to us as confused, anxious and withdrawn individuals who, with support, encouragement and guidance, have blossomed into young people and adults who are more independent and confident to participate in and contribute to society.
How we were founded
Autism Bedfordshire was founded in 1991 by a group of parents who answered a local newspaper advert from a parent of an autistic child seeking other parents to share thoughts and strategies with. They knew that their children shared the same hopes, aspirations and worries as other children: having friends, being around people who understand and accept them and not think of them as ‘silly’ or ‘weird’, doing well at school, ultimately getting a job and living independently and being happy and fulfilled. They set the foundations for a charity that would grow to provide a range of places where autistic children could ‘be themselves’ and access activities designed and run by people who understand autism and can support them if they become anxious.
In 1994 they formed a charity, the Bedfordshire Society Working with Autism, which began to provide services for children and their parents, starting with a summer play scheme in 1995. Since then, the charity (renamed as Autism Bedfordshire) has grown to supporting over 2,500 families and autistic individuals.
To find out more about our history, see our timeline below.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build inclusive, empathetic communities across Bedfordshire where autistic people and their families feel seen, supported, and valued. We work to remove barriers, challenge stigma, and make everyday life more accessible and affirming for autistic people.
What We Do
- Support – Providing practical and emotional help for autistic people and their families at every stage of life
- Information – Sharing reliable, accessible knowledge about autism to increase understanding and confidence
- Advocacy – Amplifying autistic voices and helping create change in schools, workplaces, and communities
- Community – Bringing people together to celebrate neurodiversity, build connections, and reduce isolation
Our Values
- Acceptance: We promote acceptance, not awareness — because autistic people don’t need to change to belong.
- Respect: We value lived experience and use language that celebrates autistic identity
- Empowerment: We support autistic people to lead their own lives, make their own choices, and shape their futures
- Collaboration: We work alongside autistic people, families, and allies to build a more inclusive world
Donations
Every donation will help us to help others…
could fund an initial phone call to a newly diagnosed person/their family.
could provide an adult, who lacks social skills, the opportunity to attend one of our social groups and build their confidence.
could fund two specialist workers to support autistic young people (age 10 – 17 years) at one of our Wanted Fun sessions.
could fund one evening youth club session, benefitting 10 autistic young people
could provide 15 autistic children the opportunity to go to the zoo and share the same life experiences as others their age.
Donations
Every donation will help us to help others…
could fund an initial phone call to a newly diagnosed person/their family.
could provide an adult, who lacks social skills, the opportunity to attend one of our social groups and build their confidence.
could fund two specialist workers to support autistic young people (age 10 – 17 years) at one of our Wanted Fun sessions.
could fund one evening youth club session, benefitting 10 autistic young people
could provide 15 autistic children the opportunity to go to the zoo and share the same life experiences as others their age.
Governance and Policies
Autism Bedfordshire is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It was registered as a charity on 14th November 2003 and incorporated on 9th January 2004 at Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.
Registration no: 04632497
Registered office and operation address: Suite B1, 1 Hammond Road, Elms Farm, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK41 0UD.
The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Under those articles, the members of the Management Committee are elected at the A.G.M. to serve a period of 3 years, subject to ratification at each A.G.M. which is usually held in October each year. Minutes are available upon request.
The Members of the Management Committee are Trustees of the Charitable Company and also Directors for the purposes of Company Law.
This Board of Trustees is strongly involved in setting our overall direction and vision, and the trustees understand how the charity operates and what its opportunities and challenges are. Monthly board meetings are well attended and our vision, mission and objectives are regularly reviewed. You can see who our trustees are below.
To view our 2023-24 Annual Report and Accounts, please click here.
You can also find us on the Charity Commission website for England and Wales.
Autism Bedfordshire operates under a number of policies and procedures which can be read below:
Health, Safety and Welfare Policy
Child Protection Policy
Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure
Data Protection Policy
Compliments, Comments and Complaints Policy
Privacy Policy
Whistle Blowing Policy
How We're Funded
The cost of providing our services is over £2 million per year. All our services and activities are funded by grant-making trusts, local authority funding, corporate donations, individual donations, proceeds from fundraising events, and membership and service payments.
In this climate of ever-decreasing funds and ever-increasing competition for them, fundraising and donations from our members and the general public really does make a difference. We would be delighted if you would like to fundraise for our charity and help us continue to provide our vital services to improve the lives of those autistic individuals.
We are happy to offer help and advice, and we can supply collection tins, leaflets, posters, sponsor forms and publicity. For further information and ideas on how to fundraise, please click here. If you need help with your event or activity please contact funding@autismbeds.org.
However you choose to support us, thank you!
Luton Short Breaks
Autism Bedfordshire acts as the Lead Body for the Consortium of Voluntary and Community Service short break providers for children and young people in Luton, with an Operations Manager overseeing the management and administration of the Consortium. The Consortium is part-funded by Luton’s Community Investment Fund which is managed by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation as part of the Luton Rising Community Investment Fund.
2025/26 was a successful year for the Consortium with its members helping 438 children and young people from Luton, 391 were children and young people (aged 0-25) with disabilities and 47 were siblings. Consortium members organised 6659 short break sessions which provided parents and carers in Luton with 30,449 short break hours.
The different clubs and activities provided included after-school clubs, weekend clubs, holiday playschemes, and outings. During the year there were five members of the Consortium:
- Autism Bedfordshire
- Centre for Youth and Community Development (CYCD)
- CHUMS
- Families United Network (FUN)
- Friends of Bright Eyes (FOBE)
Terminology – the language we use and why
Why language matters
The words we use to talk about autism are important. They shape attitudes, reflect respect, and can help create better understanding.
Different terms in use
Autism means different things to different people. You may see a range of terms, including:
- Autistic
- On the autism spectrum
- Has autism / person with autism
- Autism spectrum condition (ASC)
- Neurodiverse
Our approach
At Autism Bedfordshire, we:
- Always ask individuals what they prefer and follow their choice
- Use identity-first language (“autistic”) in our materials as an umbrella term, because many autistic adults prefer it.
- Recognise that terms likes Asperger syndrome are still used by some people, although they are less common in medical diagnoses.
This approach is consistent with the terminology adopted by the National Autism Society (NAS).
What research shows
A 2015 study by the NAS, the Royal College of GP’s, and UCL Institute of Education found:
- There is no single term everyone prefers.
- Many autistic adults prefer identity-first terms (“autistic”).
- Families often prefer person-first terms (“person with autism”).
- Professionals may use “autism spectrum disorder (ASD).”
- Strongly disliked terms include “low functioning”, “high functioning”, and other labels that reduce people to categories.
Moving Forward
- NAS increasingly uses “autistic” (particularly when referring to adults).
- “On the autism spectrum” is a safe, respectful default when preference is not known.
- Language preferences are evolving — we will continue to listen, adapt, and respect each person’s choice.
Find out more about diagnostic terms and criteria.
Become a Member
Autism is a lifelong condition, so we want you to have a lifelong membership so that we can be here when you need us.
Our team and timeline
Meet the Team
Today Autism Bedfordshire employs approximately 40 office staff and over 150 staff and volunteers to deliver our services to autistic children, young people and adults.
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Lauren Barry
Children's Services Manager Children’s Services
Gemma Malins
Children's Services Coordinator Children’s Services
Kerry Chalmers
Assistant Children's Coordinator Children’s Services
Lewie Gentilella
Children's Services Coordinator Children’s Services
Field Staff
For our Children’s Services, we have dedicated teams of Support Workers and Volunteers supporting the children. These teams are led by a Senior Team Leader and up to 3 Team Leaders. The Team Leaders should have at least NVQ Level 3 in Child Care, or equivalent education and social care qualifications. The Support Workers have to have at least NVQ Level 2 plus appropriate experience.
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Elizabeth Cook
Adult Services Director Adults’ Services
Angela Amitrano
BLMK Adult Services Manager Adults’ Services
Emily Cullum
Adult Skills and Development Manager Adults’ Services
Tracey Gale
Helpline and Assessment Officer Adults’ Services
Liz Howell
Pre and Post Diagnostics Officer Adults’ Services
Philip Whiting
Data Officer Adults’ Services
Taiwo Adaba
Benefits Advisor Adults’ Services
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Sharon Sturge
Chief Operations Officer Funding & Finance
Gina Ashley
Finance Officer Funding & Finance
Kate Norris
Finance Assistant Funding & Finance
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Rob Bartlett
Consortium Manager Training & Admin
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Elizabeth Cook
Adult Services Director Adult Services Hertfordshire
Kerrie Lister
Herts Adults Services Manager Adult Services Hertfordshire
Elle Aryton
Pre and Post Diagnostic Support Officer Adult Services Hertfordshire
Rochelle Ebanks
Helpline and Assessment Officer Adult Services Hertfordshire
Nicole Gudgin
Transitions and Social Co-ordinator Adult Services Hertfordshire
Emma Reade
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Heather Wildsmith
Projects Development Manager Projects Development Team
Annette Reid
Projects Officer Projects Development Team
Matthias Djan
Projects Development Videographer Projects Development Team
34 years of growth
Autism Bedfordshire was founded when a few parents got together to find help for their autistic children, share experiences and support each other. They established a charity that began with a telephone helpline and grew into a suite of services that would give other families invaluable support over the years to come.
In response to the stress and exhaustion parents reported during the summer holidays, we introduced our first Summer Activity Scheme to provide activities for autistic children and give their parents a much-needed break.
Our 2001 membership consultation showed families also wanted to go out together and meet others in a similar situation. In response to this we launched a term-time Saturday morning support/activity group called ‘Loads of Autistic Fun (L.O.A.F.) which was for children with autism up to age 12, their siblings and parents.
Our 2003 member consultation found that parents wanted social activity groups for their teenage children who often felt isolated and withdrew from society due to ridicule or bullying by their peers. We therefore introduced our fortnightly evening youth clubs for young people with Asperger Syndrome or high functioning autism aged 10 to 17 years.
We launched our Adult Services with an Adult Skills Project – a one day a week course teaching communication, social, employment and independence skills.
We set up our first Adult Social Group, providing social opportunities in the evening for adults with Asperger Syndrome.
Following the Autism Act 2009, the Government issued statutory guidance for local councils and NHS bodies to deliver services for adults with autism. As the only specialist autism provider in the county, Autism Bedfordshire was invited to be a key participant in developing the Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives Autism Strategies. We were commissioned to run an extensive Autism Awareness Training programme for professionals throughout Bedfordshire.
We began the first of many training sessions for parents, starting with a talk from Olga Bogdashina on Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism.
We started to offer term-time sport and leisure activities for children and young people with autism, including swimming, golf and trampolining sessions.
We launched our ‘Progress into Education, Training and Employment’ programme designed for adults with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome who are looking to enter the job market. We recognise that employment is just one part of becoming self-supporting and so we assess individuals’ needs on a broad basis which may mean we help them towards other goals such as living independently, travelling independently or socialising independently.
We expanded our adult social provision to include daytime groups for those individuals who were unable to access our evening sessions.
We introduced a programme of interest-led sessions to try and engage ‘hard to reach’ adults with autism. We worked with experts in the field to provide art, rowing and tennis sessions across Bedfordshire and were delighted to see so many new people interacting with our services.
The Charity’s Chief Executive was invited as keynote speaker at an event in London, organised by the Cranfield Trust, with guest of honour HRH Princess Anne.
On 24th November 2017 we opened our first charity shop on Lowther Road in Dunstable. Local tradespeople and businesses donated their time, facilities and equipment to help us open the shop, enabling us to bring in a valuable unrestricted source of income.
Our Luton Junior Activity Scheme was graded as Outstanding by Ofsted.
Our second charity shop opened in Bedford in September 2018 – making us the only local, independent charity shop on the High Street. Once again it all came together thanks to a tremendous community effort from local tradespeople, businesses and friends of Autism Bedfordshire.
Our Bedford Junior Activity Scheme was graded as Outstanding by Ofsted.
We launched a new skills development programme for autistic young people with relatively low level support needs. ‘Skills4Success’ is designed to provide 16-19 year olds with the opportunity to learn and develop communication and life skills, alongside accessing social opportunities in the community which enables them to consolidate their learning in real life environments.
Autism Bedfordshire was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
We seek feedback from autistic children, young people and adults, as well as their parents, siblings, staff and volunteers through a variety of means, including annual written evaluation questionnaires. Unanimously, we are asked to continue with what we are providing and to increase our provision.
Over the years, therefore, we have developed our services as follows:
- Summer Activity Programme – we now run 5 different week-long schemes at two locations in the county.
- L.O.A.F. – we run groups at 4 locations across the county.
- Wanted Fun – we run groups at 4 locations across the county.
- Adult Skills Project – in 2016-17 we ran 10 courses across the county.
- Adult Social Groups – we now have 5 social groups (daytime and evening) across the county.
- Employment Support – we provide flexible employment support packages for our members, ranging from group job clubs, structured one-to-one support, mediation with employers, interview practice and job searching.
- Autism Training for professionals – we have developed a range of quality, specialist training packages that cater for a variety of delegate needs and have to date trained over 2,000 professionals.
- Parent Training – we now run a programme of 6 week long courses each year plus occasional evening sessions to educate parents on various aspects of autism and how to best support their children. In 2016-17 we trained a total of 275 parents and carers.
And we still continue to run our helpline service!
Trustees
Autism Bedfordshire is very lucky to have eight fantastic trustees who all bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise.
Lauraine Montgomery, Chair – provides leadership and direction to the board and enables its members to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity; ensures that the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations; works in partnership with the CEO and supports the employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the board the staff; facilitates the board of trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.
Peter Scott, Secretary – provides administrative support to the board; works in partnership with the CEO and supports the charity’s employees; has responsibility for ensuring formal records of meetings are kept; works closely with the CEO and Chair to ensure strong governance and oversight and communication with charity members, the board and Charity Commission).
Jeff Bulled, Finance Director – monitors the financial standing of the charity; oversees the charity’s financial risk management process; reports to the board and CEO on the charity’s financial health; acts as counter signatory on cheques and funding applications; ensures annual accounts are submitted as required; liaises with external auditors and ensures finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the charity’s beneficiaries.
Philip Delafield – with a background in Human Resources consulting including the retail and care sectors, provides advice and guidance on employment matters, health and safety and premises management, as well as contributing to AB’s policies, strategies and activities.
Pamela Wrest – independent practitioner/trainer with over 25 years experience in the health & social sector, supporting children and vulnerable adults. With a good knowledge of Health & Social Care Legislation, Autism & Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods.
Pat Guy – ISI Inspector specialising in SEN, specialist member on SENDIST tribunals, author, trainer, speaker and consultant.
Paula Parr – with a background as the autism lead paediatric speech and language therapist at a London NHS Trust, brings extensive experience from various settings including SEN schools, residential care, and her previous role as manager of Autism Bedfordshire.
Natalie Batchelor-Roles – with over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and PR within the IT and technology sectors, Natalie advises on our marketing efforts with expertise and strategic insight.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee or a patron, and would like to know more, contact our office.