When I began the autism journey with my daughter back in 2010, I didn’t know anything about autism. The media told me it was a bad thing that I should be fearful about. The paediatrician said, ‘eh, it might be autism,’ in a casual way that was confusing, like, ‘eh, I think I’ll have pasta for lunch’.
The more I read the more confused I got. I was so isolated and alone, and I didn’t know anyone who had a child like mine.
In 2012 I set up the charity Bristol Autism Support. I wanted a way to bring parents and carers like me together so we could all feel less isolated and worried. I also knew that each of us knew something the others didn’t, and I wanted to create a forum for that information to be shared.
Over the next ten years I helped over 3,000 parents and carers along their own autism journeys. I learned so much from them, and from my own experiences of raising my daughter. Most of all, I learned from autistic adults. Along the way, I realised that I am autistic, too.
I left the charity in 2022 to focus on parent carer training and writing.
I was given a British Citizen Award for the 10,000+ volunteer hours I dedicated to supporting parents and carers of autistic children. I also accepted a Queens Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of Bristol Autism Support.
My first book, Where Do I Start? How to navigate the emotional journey of autism parenting will be published in September by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.
I hope that my work will help you on your journey, too. You can book onto a training session, schedule a 1:1 consultation or buy my book. I can’t wait to spend time with you!
What people say about my work:
“Kate Laine-Toner is an absolutely amazing woman! Thank you Kate, you provide such amazing support.”
-BAS parent
“I feel so much more confident about supporting my son now. I have a better understanding of what autism is and how best to engage with and be there for him.”
– Training session attendee
“It was lovely hearing from other parents, too and getting some reassurance. Thank you, Kate for being such a great facilitator!”
– Training session attendee