Who We Are
At Autism Dimensions we're passionate about what we do.
Anne Simpson BA (Hons), MA
Autism and Behaviour Specialist
Whilst completing a Psychology Degree at the University of Northumbria, Anne supported adults with additional needs and visual impairments. She went on to gain experience of working with children and adults within outreach and Independent Supported Living houses for the Coquet Trust in Gosforth. She began volunteering as a play therapist for a family running a home education programme. Meanwhile she worked as a play therapist for The Toby Henderson Trust, a support worker for ESPA (Educating Services for People with Autism) and then went on to facilitate and manage a home education programme and staff team. During this time Anne received bi-annual training from The Growing Minds specialist Autism Education centre in Florida, USA. She completed a Masters in Autism and Education Studies focussing her dissertation on 'The Power of Imitation: how can imitation develop skills for individuals on the Autism Spectrum?' at the University of Northumbria.
She founded Autism Dimensions in 2006, working as an Autism consultant to a number of mainstream, special needs schools and families in the North East and other areas. Anne also worked as a help! Family Practitioner for The National Autistic Society covering the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside as a Licensed Trainer. As well as consulting through Autism Dimensions Anne currently works closely with families through the Northeast Special Needs Network in Newcastle.
Daniel Simpson BA (Hons), MA
Specialist Teacher and Programme Manager
Whilst completing his degree in Philosophy at The University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Daniel spent time working at Thomas Bewick School (a specialist school for Autism) and also began providing outreach for children with special needs through the Coquet Trust in Gosforth, Newcastle.
During his final year he was appointed as Manager of the children's Outreach Service providing outreach support for over 30 children and their families. Throughout this period he built up strong links with a number of special education schools within the north east area to enhance the outreach service and provide greater consistency with the children's education.
During this time he completed an NVQ Level 4 in Social Care with Adults and Children and the Registered Managers Award, and became a qualified First Aid instructor. Daniel has also completed his Master's in Autism focusing his dissertation on 'Autism Awareness, is it working? Has the increase in media attention that Autism has gained over the past 18 months had a positive effect for families in the area of Newcastle upon Tyne?' through the University of Northumbria. He then went on to become a qualified teacher working at Percy Hedley Lower School as a Speech and Language Teacher.
In March 2009 my son was diagnosed with Autism. My reaction was; what can i do? I wanted to start helping him straight away. I first met Anne when she presented the Help programme, I left that day with a new understandin...
Helen Driver - parent
More in this Section
Bespoke Education
Not all children 'fit' into the regular education system - especially those with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. We believe it is critical to provide all children with an education programme that works for them and that allows them to flourish.
Support for Families
We give families support, when a child or sibling is diagnosed with Autism.