The annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' list winners

Dimensions, the UK’s largest notfor-profit supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, has announced the winners of its Annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List.

This year’s Leaders were announced across four categories: arts and entertainment; local communities; work and education; and advocacy, policy and media. Recognising leaders across a spectrum of fields showcases the breadth of talents that people with learning disabilities and autism have.

The award gives people with learning disabilities and autism an opportunity to be celebrated and represented. Winners this year include Special Olympic medallists, founders of learning disability and autism charities, and voice actor of the first character with autism in Thomas & Friends.

Highlighting stories will not only overcome stereotypes but will inspire others to achieve things they did not think would be possible.

Rachael Dodgson, CEO at Dimensions, said: “The Leaders’ List is a reminder of the strengths and contributions that people with learning disabilities and autistic people make to the local community. We are deeply inspired by their achievements.” dimensions-uk.org

Syon Nursery is a Specialist Early Years provision serving the West London area for children with special educational needs. We offer care and education for children with a diagnosis, or emerging traits of ASC or ADHD and also children with sensory, communication or social needs.

Our individualised, person-centred approach to learning and growth is something that we take great pride in. Play is crucial for children learning in their early years, and we promote creativity and discovery; since we know that it is the foundation of all learning. Along with curriculum-based activities and therapeutic input, our routines offer children chances to support their independence and build upon their unique learning styles. We always strive to include our children in their decision-making as it our top priority to both hear and listen to their voices and respond accordingly. In order to support each child’s individual needs and upcoming developmental stages, we follow the strategy, set out by Options Autism to always accept our children’s starting points and build upon their strengths.

Acceptance is at the very heart of the strategy and celebrates all the facets of neurodiversity. Our multidisciplinary approach enables our team of in-house therapists to collaborate with our practitioners in a way that is specific to your child's needs. Or therapists also offer assessments that are carried out by a team of Psychologists, Speech & Language/Occupational Therapists, and education staff, that will all work closely with families every step of the way. We also pride ourselves in offering a wide range of support services to our families through our on-site Autism Learning and Development Centre. The centre is a gateway to accessing a wide variety of training, workshops, library services, coffee mornings, advice, and guidance on statutory processes. Please book a tour to visit our site!