A little bit about me

Independent Specialist Neurodiversity Consultant

My name is Trixie, I am neurodivergent and I have been working in the autism, ADHD and general neurodiversity domain since 2002.

I started Shine Out to do some good and be more useful in the world. I am always learning, and want to use my skills, knowledge and experience to be the positive change I want to see in the world.

I have spent the last 20 years working with neurodivergent people, their families, schools, and staff. As well as being neurodivergent myself, I also have many neurodivergent family members, friends and colleagues in my life. I have studied and researched autism a great deal. I am currently studying for a PhD in nature, neurodiversity and wellbeing, and my other qualifications are listed below.

I enjoy drumming, yoga, roller skating and cake. I love that we are all human beings trying to do our best and have a purpose in life.

I try to see the little things about communication and behaviour, the bigger things about ingrained habits or methods of working that can become harmful over time. The best way of describing my method of working is 'Compassionate Humaning'. I work with people to see how these parts of being human can link into our unmet needs, often building into dysfunctional relationships where no one is able to get their needs met. Unmet needs can be damaging and amongst other things can increase masking in neurodivergent people – which increases misunderstandings, problems with communication and may potentially lead to burnout.

I work with neurodivergent people, their families, organisations and groups to enhance knowledge, deepen understanding, raise awareness and acceptance, enabling true empowerment.

Don't worry, you dont need an offical diagnosis to work with me, and I do not claim to know more than you about your individual lived experiences. My experience of being neurodivergent will not be the same as yours - we are all different.

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open."

- Frank Zappa

What I Do

I help develop neurodivergent empowerment with neurodivergent people and those who care about them. Nothing is hidden, it’s about creativity, curiosity, openness and commitment.

I am the Independent Neurodiversity Consultant you’ve been looking for. I am honest, creative and fun. I am fully independent and not affiliated with any organisations.

I am fully insured, DBS checked, and very passionate about neurodiversity, communication, and personal empowerment.

The main idea around my services is to give you what you need in order to shine out and move forward.

Independent Neurodiversity Consultancy
1:1 sessions for neurodivergent people, siblings, parents and professionals
1:1 sessions with young people who experience difficulties with anxiety or accessing school
Bespoke training for school staff
Work towards providing a clearer understanding of neurodiversity for neurotypical people – and providing a clearer understanding of neurotypical people for neurodivergent people
Bespoke neurodiversity training for neurodivergent people, families and organisations

I welcome enquiries from the neurodivergent community, families and professionals

If your light shines bright - it's better for everyone.

Contact Me

My experience & qualifications

I have over 20 years expereince of working in the neurodiversity domain, starting out as a Support Worker and becoming an autism trainer, manager and organisational change maker.

Amongst many things, I am experienced and trained in: interoception, sensory differences, Safeguarding for children and adults, Great Interactions, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Behaviour Support, Theory of Own Mind, Double Empathy and Low Arousal.

I am an experienced Neurodiversity Trainer and licensed PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor.

I am also excited to be a trained H.A.P.P.Y Coach with Autism In Context.

My main qualifications are:

Currently working towards a PhD in Neurodiversity, Nature and Wellbeing
Master’s Degree in Autism (MEd)
Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Autism (PGCert)
Introduction to Counselling Skills (Level 2 CPCAB Award)
Level 3 Award in Education (PTTLS)
BA Honours Degree in Communication Studies and Linguistics (BA (hons) )

I am also a member of the Restraint Reduction Network and my personal planned action is:

"I will support people to gain an understanding of how using clear communication and being more proactive can substantially change relationships, create positive environments and enhance mutual understanding. Calm and empowered people who have their needs met don't tend to need restraint."

Recommendations

Don't just take my word for it...

"Trixie is a treasure trove of knowledge, insight and advice in the area of ASD. From my experience, for any query I have, numerous ideas and suggestions are immediately offered. She is so helpful, providing a refreshing perspective and sees every person as an individual, listening to a description and offering tailored suggestions and information. I have felt listened to and heard when I have talked with Trixie, as well as that, just as important, I felt her genuine interest in the clients I sought advice for. Trixie’s passion and interest in this area only grows, she is constantly garnering more information and experience, which will undoubtedly make her more my go-to Autism specialist in the future."

Bríd O' Donoghue

Play Therapist (BAPT accredited) and Filial Therapy practitioner. MA, MSc, BA, PGCE

"Trixie has an absolute wealth of experience in the field of ASD, from supporting families, young people and adults to project management, training staff teams and leading large-scale programmes. The way she understands, embraces and celebrates different ways of thinking and doing has supported not only the individuals she has worked with but also their families and the wider sector. She is a true advocate for the power of Neurodiversity."

Charlotte Dack

Area Manager

"I met Trixie in my first job working with autistic adults. She provided coping mechanisms (not just for service users), advice, possible explanations and insight to the minds of those who couldn't verbalise their needs. Trixie's methods of never assuming and always questioning mean that she can help you to remember that behaviour is an expression; and that we don't know what is in someone's head, but can do our best to enable them to express and understand it. With Trixie's support, two of my service users have gone from almost daily demonstrations of self-injurious behaviour to it being much less frequent. We have instead enabled them to self-soothe.
The support I got from Trixie was (and still is) invaluable. I see her as a wonderful inspiration, mentor and friend; and would actively encourage anyone to learn from her. Whether this is about learning how someone is communicating with you, the autistic mind, or where behaviour could be coming from; it is very likely that Trixie's ideas will astound you (even if it's "why didn't I think of that?")"

Caitlin Marshall

Assistant Autism Support Manager

"I originally worked alongside Trixie in a social care role, supporting children with disabilities and their families. This work included assessments to support the provision of services as well as supporting parents’ understanding of their children’s behaviours including management strategies. Trixie pursued research and education to support her work in the field.

Trixie has always been a strong advocate for disability rights, and is committed to raising awareness of associated issues. I have witnessed Trixie’s direct work with adults who have learning disabilities, applying appropriate strategies to support their independence, as well as providing advocacy and moral support in a range of situations."

Catherine Toohey

Social Work Manager

“Trixie is a dynamic, creative and holistic trainer who supported me in creating bespoke training for a small team of Outreach Support Workers. Trixie designed the training taking into consideration both staff training needs and the needs of the autistic people we supported. Trixie’s attention to detail meant that she was able to create a thorough package of training which had a real impact of staff and consequently their mind-set and practice. This training made a real difference because Trixie delivered it in a down-to-earth, collaborative and authentic way meaning staff were engaged and genuinely interested. Trixie was able to challenge the status quo from a place of curiosity and kindness which was refreshing and transformative. Trixie is a talented trainer and I’m looking forward to working with her again soon to create bespoke training and support packages for autistic teenagers to begin to understand themselves, their needs and find their autistic identity.”

Emily Edwards

Forest School Practitioner

"I had the pleasure of working alongside and being line managed by Trixie. I have learnt so much from Trixie over the last two years, being able to explore ideas and support strategies and coming up with strategies that we believed would be supportive to the individuals we supported. Trixie's vast experience, and understanding is truly inspirational."

Leanne Evans

Autism Practice Manager and PBS Practitioner

"Trixie has absolutely fantastic enthusiasm, commitment and expertise in the field of Autism. Her great passion and skill in enabling those on the spectrum to realise their full potential is an inspiration to those that work with her and those lucky enough to be mentored by her."

Max Norton.

Autism Support Manger

Let Your Light Shine Out

Shine Out

Mission & Vision Statement

In a world where we can be anything – be kind
Impossible is just an opinion
All humans are of equal value
Everyone can learn and develop with the right support
No-one should be denied opportunities to gain empowerment, knowledge and skill development
My purpose is to support fellow humans to explore their personal experience of neurodivergence and wellbeing.