“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” - John C. Maxwell. Robyn’s mentoring with diverse audiences like students, universities and professionals is remarkable. She has leveraged her knowledge and experience to promote advocacy for autism. She is a research associate at CRAE (Centre for research in autism and education) University College London. Robyn’s book "The Independent Woman's Handbook For Super Safe Living On The Autistic Spectrum" has essential advice for autistic women living independently. In 2015 Robyn was a joint winner of the National Autistic Society professional award for Outstanding Achievement by an Individual on the Autism Spectrum. She has appeared in several media such as BBC Breakfast, Radio 4's Today Programme, Channel 4 news, The Sunday Times magazine and many more.

Can you tell us about autism training that you provide to schools, universities and parent groups? What is the common concern shared by these groups and what is your advice for this concern?R: I have worked with colleges , schools etc for over 15 years I teach people about autism i.e what it is , strategies that can help etc. I guess the commonality between them all is how to make the quality of life better for Autistic people. sometimes people think this means Autistic people should try to " act" like non autistic but actually this can be incredibly harmful and send the wrong message . Yes I make a bad non autistic person but if I'm just being myself I make a great autistic person and can let my strengths shine through. I think if what they're doing is not hurting themselves or others ( this encompasses all kinds of hurt) then let the person get on with it

According to you what are the challenges that need to be addressed in today’s school system to ensure good education and environment for kids with autism?R: Autistic kids in schools today often struggle with changing task / subjects / amount of information / sensory environment. For example I thought I was stupid until I was 26 and wrote half my first book in 10 days (not consecutive days but 10 days out of june 2012)
so I think the main things that could help are
1. less subjects and more project based learning; subjects teaching real life skill (maths, science, Computing, intense interest, English (or first language where they live), coping in a non autistic world)
2. Additional "coping in a non autistic world" classes to let kids know it's ok to be themselves but to learn how non autistic people think and to work on the things that they find more difficult this might include flexibility / theory of mind etc
3. Disability talked about in all subjects for all kids. e.g when learning about force in maths and using a sea saw include examples with a wheelchair sea saw
4.  Work experience in the real world

What two qualities of yours have helped you to reach where you are today?R: Being Polite/conscientious, Being flexible

What is the role of music in your life?R:  Part of my living is now earned through music , I never thought this possible when growing up as when I was young I thought musicians were session musicians (call to a studio handed a manuscript and then having to play whats written in front of them ) Orchestra players or Jazz/pop/rock players who play things perfectly every-time. But actually musicians span a large spectrum so I earn money from gigs where I just improvise and relay on my ears and heart to know what to play and Workshops facilitation which give people fun experiences.

What kind of challenges did you face during your school days? What and who motivated you to face those challenges that helped you in your higher education?R: I don't really have higher education I did go to university for a year but quit as the debt worried me and I seemed to naturally be building a career in autism. In school I thought I was thick I was very anxious and overwhelmed. My parents got my out of high school as soon as they could college ( further education) was a revelation because I could focus on one subject at a time and my day wasn't crammed with a million subjects required of me. Also as I got older people were more accepting and valued my unique skill set.

Who is your inspiration?R: Andy Diagram because through him I saw the possibilities of the trumpet and heart and soul because they believe in people ( www.heartnsoul.co.uk)

What are your other hobbies?R: Music, Painting, Watching documentaries and going to the sea side.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?R: Santa Monica , California I love the freedom of cycling on the broad-walk ( As I cant cycle on a road due to my eye sight) going to Venice to see the artists , the sea and sand and the fact the buses are blue

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to live independently?R: Work on Theory of mind , flexible thinking , conscientiousness, skills you have , look for roles in the community you could be involved with

Any special message for our community?R: Society is full if hoops it's ok not to be a show jumper just find your niche if you've not found it don't be disheartened just keeping having new experiences till you find it