I hold qualified teacher status (Bachelor of Education) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Asperger Syndrome (2005). (This course has now been renamed the Post Graduate Certificate in Autism, to reflect the move in 2013 away from Asperger Syndrome as a diagnostic term). Additional training I have undertaken includes 2 Day Social Stories, 3 & 5 Day TEACCH, 2 Day PECS, 2 Day SCERTs, 1 Day Protective Behaviours and the NAS course ‘Women & Girls on the Autism Spectrum’. I have been a member of The Inside Of Autism training for three years. I have completed both the Oliver McGowan tier 1 & 2 training and been lucky enough to attend the totally brilliant National Autism Trainer Programme tier 3 course for professionals.
I received my own diagnosis of autism in January 2024 (which goes some way to explaining my special interest in this topic!) but had identified some years previously that the autistic community were my tribe. I have a history of being skilled at recognising fellow neurodivergent individuals of all ages.
I am able to support other professionals in both providing and examining the evidence for an autism spectrum diagnosis, although I must stress that I am not a medical professional and therefore cannot offer a diagnosis myself.
I update my skills regularly, attending training and conferences that are relevant to autism and SEND, to keep myself informed about new legislation and other developments.
I have developed and delivered autism training as the lead trainer for my local autism charity, Autism Bedfordshire, for over ten years.
In 2019 I was appointed as an Inclusion Expert on Autism for the Department for Education Standards and Testing Agency. During 2020-21 I worked additionally as a mentor for the Tool Up Mentoring programme operated by NDSA.
I have not pursued Autism Accreditation personally; however, in line with the key criteria for achieving such accreditation (as set out by the National Autistic Society), I endeavour to demonstrate:
- my commitment to providing effective support which is person-centred and rooted in an appreciation of current knowledge and understanding of autism
- that I seek to understand each autistic person as an individual whose autism is an integral part of who they are and who have their own unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and challenges
- that I enable each autistic person to carry out meaningful tasks and activities by employing a range of autism specific and personalised approaches and methods
- that I support autistic people to achieve outcomes that have a positive and significant impact on their lives
To this end, I invite feedback from all my clients, to continuously inform the improvement and development of the services I offer; usually this means I will send out a short questionnaire following a period of involvement. The most recent testimonials reproduced on this website have come directly from this feedback.
I also have a complaints policy and procedure in place which I will provide on request to anyone who needs it.
I hold a policy for professional indemnity for teachers and public liability insurance, taken out with the Alan Boswell Group, underwritten by HISCOX – policy number 0/MAND18TL01 – renewed annually.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for Data Protection (registration number Z3360664) and have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate available for inspection on request.
Mandy Higgs 