Di Heyes

Specialist Nurse & Founder of A Spectrum Connection

My name is Diana (Di) Heyes and I am a specialist nurse (RNLD/autism practitioner), with over 22 years of experience working with and supporting autistic and neurodivergent children and adults in a variety of settings. I am also diagnosed as autistic and am part of a wider neurodivergent family. As well as my nursing degree, I have a level 6 'working with indivduals on the autism spectrum' qualification, and a level 7 Professional nurse advocate certificate. I have recently completed the Autism and neurodiversity masterclass, the advocacy friends course, and am currently studying  for a level 7 coaching and mentoring qualification. I am trained in ADOS-2 and ADI-R autism assessments.

I have worked in educational settings, both specialist and mainstream, social care settings, community teams and a specialist autism team. I have spent the last 4 years working in the NHS, with community learning disability teams and also a specialist autism team, working as part of a multi disciplinary team for autistic adults, some of whom also have additional physical/mental health diagnosis.

I also have an interest in research, and am constantly learning, both by reading, and also speaking with neurodivergent people. I will also be taking up a part time lecturing post at a local University this summer.

I created A Spectrum Connection 7 years ago as a voluntary group, to provide a safe space where  autistic adults could meet and be themselves. Then in July of this year, I took a leap of faith and left my secure NHS job to create A Spectrum Connection CIC. Since July, we have created a second social hub, a weekly advice drop in, a film buddies club and a pub club. We will also be supporting with post diagnostics, peer support and specialist body doubling.

Why? Because currently there are no proactive services in our area. The statistics are there, which show that only 16% of autistic adults are in full time work, and also that suicide is the most common cause of preventable death.

We are a small organisation, but, if we can help a little bit, then we will!