Hi, my name is Barbara Kennedy.

I have created this service through 25 years of accumulated expertise in working with autistic people in my professional career in education, academic studies and personal life.

I have spent my career in education teaching autistic pupils with a wide variety of support needs, both in the additional needs and mainstream sectors. Within ASN schools my work was with learners with complex needs and alternative communication styles, and in mainstream education working collaboratively with autistic pupils, families and school staff to deliver individualised support packages.

As a specialist within the Third Sector, I have delivered successful support programmes and staff training for carers working closely with autistic and neurodivergent young people within the residential care sector.

Throughout my life I have endeavoured to understand the autistic mindset. I grew up in a neurodiverse family, so I view autism as an identity and a way of experiencing life from a different perspective. I believe that individuals identifying as autistic have specific needs which need to be met, and often require specific services to support their journey. I offer a range of services in an endeavour to meet those needs.

My aim is to promote inclusion and raise awareness and acceptance of the autistic lived experience.

• Diploma in Autism, Strathclyde University, 2020

• Post grad certificate in Literacy and Dyslexia, York University

• Post graduate certificate in Guidance, Strathclyde University

• PGCE in Education (secondary) Mathematics and Computing

. BSC Computing Science

Scottish Government PVG scheme for the protection of adults and children.

Hi, my name is Catriona Boyle.

I work within the service to offer an insight into the autistic mindset by sharing my own personal life experiences. I support the service by providing our clients with a deeper understanding to help them see life from a different perspective so they can offer more targeted support for other Autistic people. I continue to develop my own understanding through study and learning offered by the National Autistic Society.

Hi, my name is Theresa Bosworth

My experience as a teacher has spanned 20+ years and I have been on a journey to arrive at my current position as an Autism Outreach Teacher.  I have an art background and believe creative visual expression is a wonderful way to understand our inner and outer world. 

I have worked in both Australia and Scotland and although an art teacher, I always found a way to work with young people on the fringes of our education system, the ones where the system didn’t quite fit.  It is within these roles that I naturally found my way to understand and support neurodivergent learners to help them find a voice, a vocation and a better understanding of themselves. 

I work along with Barbara, and together we have embraced a role in supporting the Autism community.  Our shared vision about wanting people to feel listened to, connected and a sense of belonging is key to our work with all people.

I look forward to meeting some of you soon.

  • Post graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education, Autism and Dyslexia. University of West of Scotland

  • Diploma of Education, University of Tasmania

  • Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Tasmania

  • Arts for Life . Art therapy to promote well-being and self-regulation

  • Cert. HICAT(MBEd) Holistic integrated creative arts therapy (current)

    Scottish Government PVG scheme for the protection of adults and children.

Hi, my name is James Ferguson.

I am a qualified therapist and currently manage my own practice in Strathaven. I also work as a consultant therapist counselling clients for Innisfree Clinic in Harley St. London. This has furnished me with valuable experience in supporting autistic clients and their families.

Alongside my professional involvement, I also support my family members who are autistic and neurodivergent. I have completed a course in Autism and Counselling, and I am currently progressing an Autism Awareness course with the National Autistic Society.

  • Masters’ degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling(2016)

  • COSCA validated Diploma in Counselling(2015)

  • Registered member with BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists)

  • Practice Membership of COSCA.

    Scottish Government PVG scheme for the protection of adults and children.

Hi, my name is Chelsea Mackay.

I am the newest member of the Kennedy Autism team, my role helping with marketing tasks and group projects.

I have qualifications in Social Sciences as well as an Honours Degree in Fashion Marketing. It is a privilege for me to be a part of this business as I have always wanted to help people in any way I can.

I have grown up with neurodiversity in my family and this experience has helped me to have a clear understanding of how the Autistic mind works as well as how useful it can be to have a good support system around you.

Hi, my name is Laurie Jones.

I currently work within a mainstream secondary school supporting autistic young people to access education.   I have supported autistic people and their families to imagine and live independent lives for the last 20 years. The majority of this time has been spent finding good ways to transition from the family home into independence, whatever that might look like.   My big passion is to search for person-centred solutions and implement strategies that enable each person to not only navigate but thrive in a neurotypical driven world.