About Us

Carleigh – Session Facilitator & Forest School Lead

I’m Carleigh 👋 I’m a late-diagnosed Autistic, PDA and ADHD human, and parent of two similarly wired small people. Autism first caught my interest at age 12 when I read “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” Flawed as it is, it sparked something that led to years of learning and working with Autistic young people throughout my teens and twenties.

Despite my professional background and training, I didn’t truly understand what it meant to be Autistic until my eldest son was diagnosed in 2020. I began learning from Autistic voices, and shortly after received my own diagnosis from Dr Wenn Lawson. Since then, several family members-including my second child-have also been diagnosed with Autism or ADHD.

My interest has grown into a passion for creating change through education, empowerment, and neuro-affirming spaces where young people can learn and thrive. My children, both “square pegs,” do not fit the rigid expectations of mainstream school, so I’ve had to unlearn typical approaches and gain extensive knowledge in low-demand parenting, SEND systems, EHCPs, EOTAS, and Home Education.

I understand the physical and emotional challenges of navigating these systems and hope to make services more accessible while creating safe, inclusive alternatives to school. If you need support with anything related to neurodivergence or education, feel free to get in touch-even if you just need someone who understands to talk things through with.

Ashleigh – Session Facilitator

Ashleigh is a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children, just like the rest of us here. She brings lived experience, a deep understanding of SEND and neurodivergence, and professional expertise through social care and education qualifications. She also has years of experience supporting young people in various educational settings and has volunteered as a Foster Carer Assistant.

Ashleigh currently facilitates our Neurothentic Together sessions and supports our Neurothentic in Nature groups. She’s always ready to jump in wherever needed, with a big smile, an even bigger heart, and a love of a good chat. Outside of sessions, Ashleigh enjoys decorating her home in fabulous bright colours, building Lego flowers, and collecting tattoos.

I’ve nurtured my own Facebook parenting support group since 2018, and previously ran a 1-to-1 parental support business until removing my child from mainstream school to focus on their wellbeing. Now, I’m thrilled to be joining TNN to support other parents of ND children. Raising my child has been transformative, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I look forward to meeting you in our closed support group, Neurothentic Parents, where we’ll focus on emotional wellness and building the community we all need.

Racheal – Creative Wellbeing Facilitator

Hi all, I’m Racheal and at the beginning of my journey with The Neurothentic Network. You might know me from Neurothentic in Nature or from Neurodivergent Voices, the free community art project I run. I’m a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children with a passion for wellbeing, mental health, creativity, and helping people. I’ve done many different jobs throughout my life-from marketing manager to gardener-and I’m excited to bring that varied experience to TNN to support adults and carers navigating this often lonely path.

One of the most fulfilling things I’ve seen is someone blossoming when they begin to unmask and find their authentic self. I strongly believe creativity provides a powerful pathway to that freedom, and I’m passionate about keeping these opportunities accessible to all-money should never be a barrier. Keep an eye out for future creative and supportive activities with us.

I’m proud to be part of such a brilliant organisation and team. The work TNN does is incredibly important, and I’m delighted to contribute to it.