A NEURODIVERGENT support organisation headquartered in Margam is celebrating a decade of transforming lives across Wales, the wider UK, and internationally.
Autside, established in 2016 by Donna Sharland and Emma Durman, is marking its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the organisation has supported thousands of families, children, young people and adults, helping them better understand and navigate autism, ADHD and wider neurodivergent conditions.
Built on lived experience and a passion for change, Autside has become a trusted voice in raising awareness, challenging misconceptions and advocating for more inclusive support systems.
Reflecting on the milestone, co-founder Donna Sharland who is also currently completing a PhD in forensic psychology and criminology said: “Autside has been my passion project for 10 years now, and in that time we’ve seen huge changes within the neurodivergent community.
“The neurodiversity movement has helped people better understand that autism, ADHD and other conditions often co-occur, but the challenges around that are enormous.”
Donna has been a neurodivergent specialist consultant for a number of police forces across Wales, is an associate tutor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, lecturing on criminology and policing and also serves as a trustee for Autism Life centres, a non-profit organisation that offers specialist day services for autistic adults and young people with complex needs.
Reflecting on her breadth of experiences, she added: “Services still aren’t set up to understand neurodivergence in a holistic way. Too often, people aren’t supported to understand their own individual profile of needs and strengths.”
Autside has played a key role in breaking down myths surrounding neurodivergence, particularly in highlighting how individuals, especially women and girls can mask or camouflage their experiences, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses.
Donna warns that new challenges have emerged: “While awareness has improved, some of the narratives around neurodivergence have become more difficult.
“There’s increasing focus on ‘over-diagnosis’ and ‘over-medication’, but the reality is many people are still not recognised early enough, and vital services have been underfunded for years.
“We’re focusing so much on waiting lists, but people are going without support. Even when they get a diagnosis, there’s often very little help afterwards.
“It’s a systemic issue, and my hope is that the new Welsh Government prioritises early intervention and long-term investment in support services.”
Despite these challenges, Autside’s impact over the past decade has been significant. The organisation has delivered family seminars funded by The National Lottery, worked in partnership with Nai Wales since its early days, and received recognition for its work in social housing. It has also expanded its work internationally too through Erasmus funded projects.
In 2022, Autside was awarded a police commendation for its contribution to the Prevent programme, one of several achievements the team counts among its highlights.
For Donna and Emma however, the most meaningful successes are the personal journeys they have supported.
One such family includes Sarah Bluff’s. Sarah said: “Autside created a significant scaffolding for our family, whilst we made sense of the neurodiversity presenting so differently within our two beautiful children.
“They supported us through education, advocacy, constant emotional validation, and eventually diagnosis.
“We have been privileged to be part of their remarkable service from the early years and have watched it grow and create such a meaningful difference to so many families.
“Thank you as always Autside and congratulations on being so awesome for 10 years and making such a difference to the neurodiverse community.”
Emma said: “We’ve had the privilege of supporting so many families through some very tough times, often standing alongside them to advocate for the help they need.
“Watching people embrace their neurodivergence, thrive, go to university, and build their own lives and families, that’s what it’s all about.
“It’s hard to put into words what reaching 10 years means to us, but we’re incredibly proud and excited for what comes next.”
Looking ahead, Autside is continuing to build on its foundations, including the development of its new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Hub in Pontypridd, designed to provide accessible, community-based support.
As it enters its second decade, Autside remains committed to its founding mission: empowering neurodivergent individuals and ensuring their voices are heard. For more information about Autside’s work, or to enquire about partnership opportunities please visit Autside’s website.
