Celebrating Autistic Pride Day: Spotlight on Andrea Wilson, Autism Lead at AFG

This Autistic Pride Day we’re spotlighting our Autism Lead, Andrea Wilson, who is part of our new Complex & Specialist Care & Support Service and plays a vital role in shaping how we support autistic people with complex needs across AFG.

Andrea’s Career Journey

Andrea’s first steps into social care came after completing a childcare qualification at college, when she took on a role at the National Centre for Epilepsy.

“I worked on an Autistic children’s unit as a support worker,” she says. “Many children were nonverbal and displayed behaviours of concern. I have very fond memories of this work and felt as though I was really making a difference to the children’s lives – developing independence skills, utilising communication supports, and giving them opportunities to experience new things such as visiting Alton Towers and going to the seaside. I was fascinated by the children I was supporting and wanted to further understand their Autistic minds.”

Andrea has built her career across a range of settings – from residential care and education to consultancy and behaviour support. Her professional dedication to autism support was deepened by a personal connection. “My passion for supporting autistic people began during my college placement,” she says, “where I saw the importance of understanding the children there, working with them in person-centred ways that truly support their needs.”

That commitment became even more personal after her son’s AuDHD diagnosis. AuDHD is a term used to describe individuals who experience both autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Andrea says, “I am driven to help create neuroinclusive spaces, build meaningful connections, and continue learning from the neurodivergent community to ensure everyone is seen, heard, and supported.”

Making a Positive Difference at AFG

Andrea joined AFG 16 months ago and is a key part of our Complex & Specialist Care & Support team. As Autism Lead, she supports the design of bespoke services for people with high and complex needs – many of whom haven’t found the right support elsewhere.

Her role includes co-developing policies, designing tailored training and planning transitions for people coming into our services. She works hands-on – spending time with individuals to understand their sensory needs, communication preferences and what matters most to them. Andrea says that one of the great things about her position is that “no two days are the same”.

“Our team is growing – practitioners, team leaders, support workers – all committed to doing things differently. Together, we’re creating environments where people can thrive.”

Why Autistic Pride Day Matters

“Autistic Pride Day is an important opportunity to shift the focus from awareness to acceptance and celebration. It recognises autism as a natural part of neurodiversity and promotes a strengths-based view, challenging stigma and stereotypes. It’s about empowering autistic individuals to embrace their identity with pride, share their experiences, and advocate for inclusion on their own terms. I’m proud to stand alongside the neurodivergent community in advocating for understanding, respect and meaningful support – both for the people we support and our colleagues here at AFG.”

Looking Ahead: An Exciting New Chapter

The upcoming launch of AFG’s Complex & Specialist Care & Support offer marks a major milestone – and Andrea is excited about what it means for the future.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to make a huge difference in people’s lives. Some of the individuals we’ll be supporting have never had access to the right support before because of the complexity of their needs. But we have a team of experienced, compassionate specialists – and we’re ready to make what seems impossible, possible.”

Interested in joining our Complex & Specialist Care & Support team? We have a range of exciting vacancies available across the North West. To find out more and apply, visit our Careers page.