2021 Influential Businesswoman Awards

Acquisition International - Influential Businesswoman Awards 2021 Company: Positive Autism Support and Training Contact: Laura Kerbey Web Address: www.positiveautismsupport andtraining.co.uk Best Supported Learning Development Founder (UK): Laura Kerby aura Kerby founded Positive Autism Support and Training (PAST) in response to two main areas of needs. The first focus was on high-quality training for educational staff working with autistic students in mainstream schools and colleges, believing that there was a lack of quality and standard in this area. Laura explains, “I deliver training on autism, ADHD, anxiety and other issues in schools, colleges and residential settings and provide consultancy and advice to teaching staff. I have written accredited autism training and two of the only accredited programmes on Pathological Demand Avoidance.” The other area in need of focus was the support given to parents and carers with autistic children and teenagers and the children and teenagers themselves, as there was an overall lack of support given available or offered. “PAST works closely with parents by providing one to one coaching and group workshops as well as providing support to autistic children and young people in the form of support with emotions (particularly anxiety), friendships, family relationships and more,” Laura explains. Over the last few years, Laura has specialised in a very misunderstood form of autism known as ‘Pathological Demand Avoidance’, a type of autism characterised by very high anxiety and the need to control. Laura states, “About 80 % of the families we now work with have children and teens with PDA, and it requires a very different approach to the ‘typical’ autism strategies. Three years ago, in response to the number of children with PDA out of education (around 70%), I set up a bespoke tutoring company called KITE which is going from strength to strength.” The teaching industry is heavily populated by women in the UK, with up to 75% of teachers being female and 65% Head Teachers. Laura explains, “Women have largely dominated education and SEN education over the years, so I think the education system is a great example of how a very female-dominated industry can be successful. However, significant changes need to happen in the UK education system, particularly around Special Educational Needs.” Last year, Laura spoke at the first-ever conference in the US dedicated to PDA, and since her return, she has helped set up PDA L North America. “I feel that I have been an important part of the drive to get this misunderstood form of autism recognised in the US, and now I’m working with families in South Africa where there is a real lack of understanding. In addition to this, I have written one of the only accredited training programmes on PDA.” Laura continues, “The biggest achievement is the amazing feedback we get from families we work with who describe our support and workshops as ‘Life Changing’ and ‘transformative.’ You simply cannot put a price on that.” Expected in any industry are challenges, and Laura has her own, too. “I am a neuro-divergent woman diagnosed with ADHD. However, this does not discourage me as I am passionate about raising awareness of neuro-divergence within all industries. “You must be incredibly empathetic, passionate, and compassionate for anyone who wants to succeed in this industry. I feel that my ADHD is a gift - it fuels my energy, passion, and drive. The most important attribute is to listen to your clients, whether they’re parents or professionals, and be able to put yourself in their shoes.” Most of the people who work under the PAST umbrella as tutors or support staff for KITE are female, empowering the industry with women from within. Currently, Laura is setting up two new initiatives. The first one is the FAST team (Family Autism Support Team), which consists of mothers of autistic children who want to support other parents just starting their autism or ADHD journeys. The second is an initiative to ensure neuro-divergent women are entirely supported in the workplace. Laura explains, “There are too many neurodivergent women mis/undiagnosed and the impact of this on their mental health, family life, income etc., is very negative.” In addition to these initiatives, Laura is also starting a new project with a clinical psychologist offering assessments for more complex cases of autism. Her goal for the future is simple: “I want to continue to grow the business - offer more ways to disseminate knowledge of autism/PDA and ADHD across the world. We must keep learning, keep developing and keep spreading the word.” Laura Kerby founded Positive Autism Support and Training (PAST) nearly nine years ago and has recently won The Best Supported Learning Development Founder (UK) award 2021. Laura began teaching in 2001, specialised in autism in 2008 and became a headteacher before starting her PAST venture in 2013. We find out more about how this journey has led to success for Laura and her company. Jul21156