We have been working across Somerset and beyond since 2011, committed to advancing education, awareness, and inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum, as we strive to create a world where every mind is understood, embraced, and empowered.

Our founder, Campbell Main, set up Autism Community Network CIC on 30th December 2011. Trading as Autism Somerset, the original website began life in response to the NICE Guidelines and the Autism Act. It was Campbell's vision that the Autism Somerset website would provide information and signposting to communities, families and individuals to improve the quality of life for autistic individuals.

In January 2016 Allison Ward joined the team, after a 5 year apprenticeship with Campbell and a long background in training. Allison is first and foremost a parent and expert with lived experience, providing valuable knowledge and empathy within the team. Due to ill health, Campbell sadly resigned but continued to advise us and hold local authority to account.

In December 2018 Stephen Bradshaw joined us after a long and successful career setting up and running specialist schools and residential care for both children and adults. In 2020, Dianne Zaccheo joined as our third and final director, providing expert insight into family therapy and family dynamics with neurodiversity.

At Autism Somerset, our mission is to create a community that is more accepting and informed regarding neurodiversity and mental health.

We are passionate about our new project managing and implementing the delivery of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disabilities and Autism, which has been developed with people with a learning disability, autistic people, family carers and people working within learning disability and autism services. This project has enabled us to employ over 15 experts with lived experience, and resultingly over 75% of our team are now neurodiverse.

We pride ourselves on our values, both within our team and in how we interact with the wider community.

Accepting people where they are in their journey
Recognising the need behind the behaviour
Serving the community and empowering others
Making reasonable adjustments
Being curious and reflective
Allowing others to experience their own learning opportunities
Doing with not doing for
Collaboration and connection
Discovering and implementing strategies in creative and innovative ways
Creating opportunities for professional and personal development

Meet the Team

Allison Ward

Co-Director & 12 Step Anxiety Program Founder

Allison is an NLP Master Practitioner and Health and Wellbeing Coach, bringing a wealth of knowledge using a person-centred approach to explore processes to facilitate change and inform bespoke support. Allison is highly experienced both professionally and from lived experience in Autism, ADHD, PDA and Anxiety, using this knowledge to create the 12 Step Anxiety Program, which has now been implemented across Somerset in a huge variety of settings.

Stephen Bradshaw

Co-Director

Stephen brings his extensive knowledge on school and staff development and strategies for neurodivergent students and young adults to thrive. As a published author Stephen anecdotes from his extensive teaching experience to illustrate potential problem areas and put forward solutions. He provides useful strategies for dealing with issues relating to anxiety, communication, social rules, relationships and classroom behaviour.

Diane Zaccheo

Clinical Director

Diane has a background in family therapy and behavioural psychology. She has a Masters degree in Social Work, and is an internationally recognised expert in the field of neurological disorders. Diane has been in private practice for 30 years, and has spent many years acting as a consultant for specialist schools, helping them to set up 38 Special Education programs in various settings for children and adults with disabilities.

Michelle Wilkinson

Manager

Michelle is a valuable addition to our team as a 12 Step Anxiety Program Licensed Practitioner, a Neuro-linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, and a wellbeing coach. She has a wealth of knowledge, both professionally & through lived experience.

Michelle is also our Oliver McGowan Train the Trainer for Tier 1 and is a Tier 2 facilitator, alongside her role as our Safeguarding Lead.

Bella Balian

Bella first joined us on a placement year from the University of Bath, as a Psychology student. She is now a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and licensed 12 Step Anxiety Program Practitioner. Bella also supports us with admin and project management.

Odin Ward

Odin is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and delivers our 12 Step Anxiety Program in the community and online.

Alongside this, Odin offers 1-1 Coaching and creates bespoke training programmes for young people.

Korinna Eaton

Clinical Psychologist

Korinna is a BPS chartered clinical psychologist and provides invaluable clinical guidance to our team. She has a over 15 years of experience, working both in the NHS and independently.

We have previously hosted university undergraduate students for tailored placements around their needs.

If you are a Psychology or Business student interested in a placement year, please contact applications@autismsomerset.org