I am Viv Dawes, a late-identified and diagnosed autistic (PDA) and ADHD lived experience advocate, consultant, author and trainer. I am also the parent of a neurodivergent teenager. I have 30 years experience of working with vulnerable young people and adults. For 6 years I was an NHS Senior Practitioner, managing teams of forensic drug workers in women's prisons and started and ran my own community addiction recovery programme. Most of those I worked with and supported were neurodivergent.

I have many years experience of working with people experiencing challenging and crisis situations; as an autistic person I have lived experience of many of the challenges that I help others to navigate including burnout.

I have written several books about autistic burnout, 'Supporting children and young people through autistic burnout' is a book for parents and professionals and has helped thousands of people to better understand burnout in autistic children and what helps with recovery. My new book 'The young person's guide to autistic burnout' is a book for young autistic people (12-17) to help them not only understand burnout and recovery but support them in embracing their neurodivergence and identity. Click here to find out more in my online shop.

I have a great deal of experience in delivering training, online and face-to-face workshops, management of programmes and have vast experience and understanding of how to work with vulnerable young people and adults. I am an engaging and dynamic public speaker with a good sense of humour too. I have spoken at the London Autism show on several occassions and have been a keynote speaker for a number of organisations including Surrey County Council.

I have consulted on a number of projects including a prison project for Surrey County Council, funded by the Better Care fund and in partnership with 'Autism by experience CIC'. This project led to information being created to inform staff and prisoners about what it means to be neurodivergent. I was also involved in  providing face to face training for prison staff in 2 Surrey prisons.

I am trained in various talking therapies, including Solution Focussed Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention Therapy and CBT.  I am trauma informed, neuro affirming and LGBTQIA affirming also.
 
I am available for individual 121 consultations and support, online or face to face training for professionals, ND individuals and parents. I am also available for you to book me to speak.