Neurodivergent Young Achiever

Olivia Newman-Baronius is an extraordinary Autistic 17-year-old swimmer who has achieved remarkable feats in the world of para-swimming including representing her country internationally. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Olivia actively advocates for neurodiversity awareness. She is using her platform to educate others, break down barriers, & promote inclusivity. Her records & exceptional performance shatter misconceptions about neurodiversity and Autism.

Kaydi Scottsville is one of the youngest ever Autistic CEO’s of a charity founding Diversified at just 15 after her own struggles with the education system. She had the vision for and created the first fully Autistic designed and led facilities of their kind in Scotland. She developed and opened the first fully Autistic led service, Aspire, for neurodivergent young people struggling to attend school, where they support young people’s wellbeing, mental health and learning, to improve future outcomes.

Diagnosed at 6 with TS & ADHD, Malachi Tasker Ralph was excluded from education as schools couldn’t accommodate his needs. At 13 he established his art studio, using art to manage his tics & build confidence. He began selling his work globally, & now regularly completes bespoke art commissions. He also became a qualified climber & will join Camp America next year as a climbing facilitator. This journey from exclusion trauma to becoming an accomplished artist & climber highlights his resilience & the importance of tailored education & support.

Blaise Heywood-Tattersall attends University, where, in her first 6 months, she started the first & only society for students with invisible disabilities, & carers of disabled people. The society helps disabled students not to feel alone by running a range of accessible & inclusive events that challenge stereotypes & foster meaningful friendships. It is led by a committee of disabled students. Not done there, next Blaise set up her own non-profit which aims to provide resources & support to ND young people during their diagnosis journey.

Caitlin-Anne Dow is an 18 yr old ND student who is passionate about improving the experiences of disabled young people by helping practitioners & orgs create informed & empathetic services. She has delivered presentations to Cornwall Council, spoken at multiple conferences & has produced resources including a children’s e-book & an educational video series. When she presented “accidental damage: an exploration of educational trauma in SEND students at the hand a of people who were only trying to help.” in 2023 it was described as a masterclass in running workshops.