Abby Cooper

Hello, my name is Abby!

It’s been a busy few years as Mum in a neurodivergent family. For a while we couldn’t understand why my then young child felt such extreme daily anxiety, hypervigilance and had difficulties in going to school. What followed was a period riding the waves of EHCP, (Education Healthcare Plan), application and assessment then navigating Camhs for diagnosis and support. It was such a difficult period of waiting and collectively holding our breath. Later more specifically still, I became the lynch pin of my child’s EOTAS (Education Other Than in School) package. With this came the coordination of my child’s professionals. We collaborated with Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Art therapy and Forest School staff to name but a few. The learning curve was steep. Finally, after 18 months we secured a placement in the right specialist school. My child is now thriving and most importantly they understand their neurotype and what makes them tick. As a Peer Support Practitioner I understand the uncertainty of approaching diagnosis and life thereafter. I hope to support you through this process with the benefit of my lived experience and absolutely with a neuro-affirming approach.

Prior to the above after school and college I graduated from Warwick University with a History of Art degree. After working in Heritage and Conservation with the National Trust and a London Auctioneers a move to Lincolnshire prompted a change in career. Initially I worked with individuals with an acquired brain injuries as a Support Worker. This role then led to ten plus years in the wonderful and varied world of instructed and non-instructed advocacy. I have worked in the charity and private sector and as part of local government team. I’m a passionate believer in equity and the need for everyone, to have a voice in decisions around their welfare, education, employment, social care and wider social and political issues.