Our Story

Autism Explorers: Creating a Space Where Every Child Can Shine

Hi! I’m Lillian, though most people know me as Lilli. Autism Explorers was created from a deeply personal place—one that began when my own siblings were diagnosed with autism. Their journeys opened my eyes, strengthened my passion, and set me on the path to understanding and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

I started by gaining qualifications in Understanding Autism, Understanding Behaviour That Challenges, and Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (Level 2). I later went on to complete a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification while working at The Wherry School, a specialist autism school where I’ve spent nearly two years building hands-on experience and learning from incredible children every day.

The idea for Autism Explorers came to me during a Bucket Time session, one of those moments where everything suddenly aligns. I realised just how limited extracurricular opportunities are for SEN children and families, especially those truly tailored to their individual needs. And then it clicked: why not create an activity that does exactly that?

From there, things moved quickly. I reached out to the council, found a fantastic venue, and connected with passionate volunteers who shared the same vision. Piece by piece, Autism Explorers came to life.

A Brilliant Beginning

On April 19th 2025, we officially opened our doors, and our launch exceeded every hope. Our themed stay-and-play sessions welcomed SEN families into a safe, sensory-informed environment where children could explore freely and joyfully. Through play, they develop fine and gross motor skills, imagination, speech and language, and attention and concentration - all while having fun!

Every session has its own theme to keep children engaged and excited to return. Alongside Bucket Time, we include sensory trays, turn-taking activities, creative movement, and other evidence-based strategies to support children across all developmental areas.

What’s Next For Autism Explorers?

Our journey is only just beginning. As Autism Explorers grows, we’re committed to expanding our reach into rural communities and areas where SEN support is limited or difficult to access. Every child deserves opportunities to learn, play, and explore in an environment that understands and celebrates them—no matter where they live.

Alongside this expansion, we’ll continue offering thoughtfully planned trips, seasonal events, and hands-on workshops in collaboration with local people, venues, and businesses. By working closely with our community, we aim to create inclusive experiences that families can enjoy together, supported by sensory-aware environments, visual aids, and trained volunteers.

Our mission moving forward is simple: to bring accessible, high-quality SEN experiences to families who need them most, building connections, confidence, and joyful memories along the way.

Autism Explorers exist's to nurture children’s strengths, support their communication, spark their curiosity, and create a community where every child is welcomed and celebrated exactly as they are.