Increasing awareness and acceptance of Neurodivergence
One of MyOTAS’s core principles is to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity across all areas of society, increasing acceptance of differences. We believe that education and open conversations are key to creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and supported.
Sharing our Knowledge Far and Wide
Our team has been invited to deliver talks, workshops, and training in a wide range of settings – from universities and schools to youth organisations and community groups. Every session is tailored to its audience, making complex ideas about neurodiversity accessible, practical, and relevant. Our aim is to inspire greater understanding and to equip people of all ages and backgrounds with the tools to support neurodivergent individuals in their everyday lives and communities, building understanding, and promoting inclusion.
Schools
We’ve had the privilege of visiting a number of schools across the Basildon district, to speak with both parents and staff about neurodiversity in education, creating a trusted space for people supporting neurodivergent pupils to come together to learn and share ideas. Feedback shows that sessions have contributed to creating empathy, insight, and practical strategies for creating inclusive classrooms and improving understanding between families and schools.
Youth Groups
We’ve worked with Scout groups and other youth organisations to deliver interactive training that helps leaders recognise, understand, and celebrate neurodivergent strengths and needs. Attendees are encouraged to share experiences and best practices and leave with a toolbox of useful strategies and techniques to support neurodivergent young people in their groups, and the confidence to use them!
Universities
Paula Farrow, our CEO, presented at the Law’s Role in Shaping and Responding to Disability and Motherhood conference at Reading University. It was a powerful opportunity to demonstrate the unique experiences of neurodivergent families and highlight the challenges they face. The event explored real-life issues including health, family life, and legal rights—bringing together experts, advocates, and lived experience to drive change.
Community Groups
We facilitated a session with the Othona Bradwell Community focused on building a neurodiverse community. This inclusive gathering brought together people with lived experience, professionals from health and education, and charity leaders to explore how communities can better support and celebrate neurodiversity.
What We Offer
We provide a range of awareness and training opportunities, including:
All our training is interactive, evidence-informed, and delivered by experienced facilitators with lived and professional experience of neurodiversity.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re a school leader, youth worker, HR manager, or university staff member, we’re here to help you build a more inclusive environment.
Email info@myotas.org if you would like more information.
Published Work
We are proud to have co-authored the 220 page guide ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child’ with STRM – SEND the Right Message Registered Charity and Essex Family Forum. This invaluable resource has alreafy reached thousands of families and professionals across Essex, offering practical advice, real life insights and supportive guidance.
Essex parents and carers can order a FREE printed copy (including delivery), or access a FREE digital download with interactive, clickable links.
Parent quote : ‘It answers the questions that I didn’t know I needed to ask’
Influencing Policy and Amplifying Voices
Building Strong Partnerships
Change doesn’t happen in isolation. MyOTAS regularly collaborates with partners such as STRM (Send the Right Message Charity) and SAFE Essex (Supporting Autistic Families in Essex), co-delivering training, campaigns, and events. These partnerships amplify our message, extend our reach, and strengthen the call for an inclusive society where neurodivergence is not just understood but celebrated.
Maggie said: “When organisations like MyOTAS, STRM, and SAFE work side by side and share lived experience, we not only amplify voices but also build pathways of hope for families who need it most.”
And Andrea added “Working together with MyOTAS and STRM significantly enhances our impact by allowing us to pool resources and share specialised expertise. This synergy avoids duplicating efforts, reduces overheads, and enables the creation of more comprehensive, scaled solutions than we could manage alone. By combining unique strengths—like grassroots reach, specialised knowledge, and funding access—we achieve greater efficiency, build public trust, and ultimately deliver a much more powerful and sustainable positive change for our ND beneficiaries.”
Taking the message wider
As charities we have been influencing local and national policy about neurodiversity to amplify the voices and lived experiences of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND
Paula and Maggie attended a conference at the National Children’s Bureau, to represent the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and young people, led by the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, with representatives from the Children’s Commissioner for England, Department of Education, Department of Health & Social Care and the Director of the Council for Disabled Children.
They also attended the Whole School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing at British Psychological Society in London.
Paula said : ‘It was exciting to hear about the work that is taking place to support the mental health needs of all children in schools and to discuss the specific challenges faced by neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education, with policy makers. We were also able to highlight the higher level and more complex needs of those struggling to access education and health services.’
In these spaces, we shine a light on the lived realities of neurodivergent children and families, ensuring policy conversations are grounded in authentic experiences.
