Meet the Autism Explorers Team
The Autism Explorers Team is a dedicated group of community volunteers committed to creating a world where autistic individuals can thrive. We bring together compassion, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun to build meaningful connections and empowering experiences.
Our team believes in meeting every explorer exactly where they are. We celebrate strengths, nurture emerging skills, and support the unique ways each individual learns, communicates, and expresses themselves. Whether we’re diving into sensory-friendly adventures, problem-solving together, or crafting hands-on learning opportunities, our goal is to make every moment engaging.
Together, we want to create lasting skills that support independence, joy, and self-discovery. With creativity, patience, and a genuine love for what we do, the Autism Explorers Team is here to make the world brighter, accessible, and full of possibility.
Lillian
Founder & CEO of Autism Explorers
Qualifications & Training:
Level 3 SEN TA
Level 2 Understanding autism
Level 2 Understanding adverse childhood experiences
Level 2 Understanding challenging behaviour
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Level 1, 2 & 3 Safeguarding
Level 3 Emergency first aid
Paediatric first aid
Accredited therapeutic art life coach
Level 2 Neuroscience in early years
PREVENT 2024
BSL level 1
Emma
Executive Team Member & Administration Manager
Qualifications & Training:
Charlie
Lead SEND Co-Ordinator
Qualifications & Training:
Early Years Educator Level 3
Special Educational Needs and Disability and Behaviour Management Co-ordinator - completed 2024
Makaton Level 1
Basic Manual Handling training
Paediatric First Aid
Food Hygiene Level 2
Autism Awareness training
Understanding why children bite training
Safeguarding trained
Understanding Schemas training
ACES trained
Step On trained
Megan
Executive Team Member, Social Media and Marketing Manager
& Parent Volunteer
Qualifications & Training:
First Aid
Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing - Level 3
Public Relations
Autism Awareness & Understanding Autism
Child Development & Wellbeing - Advanced Level
Business Management - Level 3
Diploma in business management and administration
Children’s Party Planner
Home Education in Early Childhood
Home Education - Assessment and Methods
Claire
Parent Volunteer
Qualifications & Training:
NPECTS PE Instructor
NVQ Teaching and Learning
Primary Athletics
British Gymnastics Level 1
NVQ Social Care
ASD Training
Safeguarding
GDPR
First Aid
Epilepsy Awareness
Fire Safety and Health & Safety
Why do we volunteer?
Lillian: "Autism Explorers was born out of a very personal journey—one that started when my own siblings were diagnosed with autism. Their diagnoses sparked a deep passion in me to understand and support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)."
Emma: "Being a mum of neurodiverse children I wanted to give back to the community after being support by great groups along the way. There's no way my children would be where they are today without this much needed support. Lilli is my eldest daughter and I'm so proud of her passion that grows everyday. She understands her siblings and understands the Importance of the right support. I feel very lucky to be able to help her with this amazing journey."
Charlie: "I volunteer as my younger brother has autism and a learning disability which has grown my passion for understanding and supporting those with special education needs and disabilities, as well as their families! I’ve seen the support and care from professionals towards my brother over the years, which has given me the drive to support others in the community myself. I’ve worked in childcare for four years and have completed many courses and progressed my professional development from my own experiences professionally and personally, as well as continuing to always research and learn more! I’m always excited to meet new children and families, helping to support them along their journey."
Megan: " I attended the grand opening of Autism Explorers with my daughter and mother, and have come to every single Sensory Saturday since then. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with open arms in a friendly non-judgemental environment. Lilli, Charlie & Emma have supported and loved my little family from the very start, they’ve created a safe-space where my daughter can be herself and I am beyond thankful. Seeing how dedicated and passionate the team are to build a supportive community for SEN families made me want to volunteer to help other children and families like mine."
Claire: "After attending Autism Explorers for a couple of weeks with my Granddaughter I approached Autism Explorers about volunteering on the Sensory Saturdays. I must say it’s been so much fun to see the children enjoy activities - Becoming Marvellous Musicians when playing instruments, Aspiring Artists at the craft table, Budding Builders when using magnets. I have also found the team supportive especially during 1-1 sessions. These have been invaluable and are catered to her individual needs. I would thoroughly recommend joining us all at Autism Explorers."