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Autistic Parents UK
Autistic Parents UK CIO was founded in 2020 by Autistic parents seeking connection and support, born from a deep understanding of the unique challenges Autistic individuals face while navigating parenthood. We are the only national, Autistic-led charity offering essential support services, resources, education and a thriving community for Autistic parents.
We are committed to supporting Autistic parents in a number of ways:
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online peer support groups
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monthly webinars and live Q&A sessions
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one to one peer support sessions
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training and professional supervision
We are committed to working reflectively and flexibly to improve our support offering and have many plans for future development.
Our Vision
A world where Autistic parents are empowered, celebrated, and supported to thrive. We envision a society where our unique perspectives are valued, our voices are amplified and our families flourish without judgement or barriers.
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Our Mission
To cultivate a thriving community where Autistic parents are empowered to connect, learn, and advocate for themselves and their families. We strive to:
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Empower: Equip Autistic parents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate parenthood authentically.
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Connect: Foster meaningful connections and a sense of belonging among Autistic parents through peer support and shared experiences.
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Educate: Provide accurate, relevant information about autism and parenting, dismantling stigma and promoting understanding.
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Advocate: Champion the rights and well-being of Autistic parents and their families, working towards a more inclusive society.
Our Aims
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Expand Peer Support Network: Continue to grow and diversify our peer support offerings, providing Autistic parents with multiple channels for connection, including facilitated groups, one-on-one support, and online communities.
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Enhance Educational Resources: Expand our library of resources created for Autistic parents, covering a wide range of topics relevant to their experiences and needs.
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Deliver Impactful Training: Provide comprehensive training programmes for both Autistic parents and the professionals who support them, promoting understanding, self-advocacy, and positive outcomes for families.
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Foster Collaboration and Advocacy: Build strong partnerships with relevant organisations, healthcare providers, and educators to advocate for the rights and needs of Autistic parents and their families.
Our Values
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Collaboration
We are a user-led group and we are committed to working collaboratively with our beneficiaries to make sure Autistic Parents UK truly supports the needs of Autistic Parents.
Inclusiveness
We are dedicated to be both inclusive of ALL Autistic parents and of the needs of our volunteers and beneficiaries. We want to proactively address all factors that cause barriers to entry for those involved in the running of APUK and those who access support.
Transparency
We are dedicated to being open and honest about our plans, processes and expenses. We will only fundraise when we have a clear goal and rationale to support it. We will always welcome feedback from our beneficiaries.
Compassion
We support people at what ever stage they are at with their understanding of Autism and being Autistic. We treat all people with understanding, respect, compassion and unconditional positive regard.
Our Trustees
Jenni Guthrie
CHAIR
Jenni Guthrie is Autistic, ADHD and physically disabled. They have 3 Autistic children. Jenni is a writer, researcher, speaker and social worker with over 20 years of experience in social work practice both in Scotland and England and nearly 30 years working with children and families. Jenni is currently teaching social work students at Winchester University and delivers training to the wider social work workforce on autism. Jenni feels passionate about peer community and Autistic-led support, as not only are Autistic experience and other neurodivergences widely misunderstood generally, but especially in relation to parenthood.
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Really likes: elephants and cheese
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Tanya Adkin
VICE CHAIR
Tanya Adkin is an AuDHD autism specialist and independent social care professional. With over 20 years’ experience working alongside autistic children, adults, and families, Tanya specialises in supporting people whose needs may be seen as complex, particularly where autism, education, mental health, and social care intersect. Tanya holds a Master’s degree in Autism and has extensive experience in advocacy, SEND, and working directly with autistic people and their families. She is passionate about autistic community-generated knowledge and enjoys sharing practical, neurodiversity-affirming approaches through training, speaking, and community work.
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Really likes: Nottingham Panthers ice hockey, monotropism, and helping people make sense of Autistic experience
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Mary Cartlidge
TRUSTEE
Mary is an Autistic, ADHD parent and independent social worker specialising in children, families, and neurodivergence. She has many years of experience working with neurodiverse children and families, including those with complex needs and significant professional involvement. Mary is passionate about improving outcomes for neurodiverse families, challenging poor practice, and making sure autistic parents feel understood. She brings a direct, practical, and no-nonsense approach, balanced with a genuine commitment to helping families access the right support and feel less alone in the process.
Really likes: Swimming, getting lost in a book and pottering in the garden.
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Priya Lyall
TRUSTEE
Priya is an Autistic parent. She is a global health researcher, who focuses on challenges incurred by social inequities and climate change. She is currently lecturing on Population Health at the University of Oxford. Priya is proud to be involved in APUK as it is one of the few peer led charities serving the complex needs of autistic parents, who often remain isolated and misunderstood. She believes that the charity plays a crucial contribution in supporting autistic parents in navigating the challenges of parenthood and disability.
Our Staff
Kim Ing
Operations Coordinator
Kim joined APUK in July 2025, bringing extensive experience as an Access to Work virtual assistant, supporting small business owners and freelancers in running and developing their businesses. Kim is also an experienced administrator with a strong background in organisational support.
Kim discovered she was AuDHD later in life following her daughter’s diagnosis, which led her to explore her own neurodivergent identity. As a result, Kim went on to provide peer support for women exploring self-identification or receiving a later-in-life Autism diagnosis.
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Really Likes: Shark films, Disney Cruises, True Crime Documentaries and Podcasts
Eli Pfiester
Strategy & Growth Lead
Elizabeth (Eli) is a small charity leader with expertise in equity-driven organisational transformation. Eli’s partner was diagnosed Autistic later in life. She lives with type 1 diabetes and other health conditions, and founded a health and disability advocacy charity in the UK that is a leader in the access to medicines movement worldwide. Eli brings experience in all things small charities, including operations, finance, fundraising, communications, systems and policies, and - most importantly - building community and supporting collective action to change systems.
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Really Likes: Dogs, popcorn, watercolour painting
CIO ConstitutioN
A downloadable PDF version of our latest CIO Constitution is available here.