I am Viv Dawes (she, her, they), a late-identified and diagnosed AuDHD and PDA non binary person. I am an independent advocate, consultant, author and trainer and also the parent of a neurodivergent young adult. I have over 30 years experience of working with extremely vulnerable young people and adults in various settings. I was an NHS Senior Practitioner, managing teams of forensic drug workers in women's prisons and started my own community addiction recovery programme which helped many people find recovery from serious drug and alcohol addiction. Most of those I worked with and supported were neurodivergent.

I have over 30 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 neurodivergent 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 vast experience in delivering training online and in-person, support groups and mentoring and supporting 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 occasions, have been a keynote speaker for a number of organisations including Surrey County Council and provide training for many organisations including the NHS and various local authorities (including social services).

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 has so far led to a handbook created to inform staff and prisoners about what it means to be neurodivergent, face to face training for staff in Surrey prisons and an online training programme also. 

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 virtual 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.