I’m Steph Reed, an independent SEND and Autism Specialist Teacher/ School Consultant passionate about creating learning environments and experiences where neurodivergent students can truly flourish. I work closely with both mainstream and specialist schools, focusing on practical, evidence-based strategies that improve provision and outcomes for neurodivergent students or those with complex needs.

As a neurodivergent person, I have a deep, first-hand understanding of the many ways children learn and experience the world, as well as the barriers they can face in our education system. This personal empathy, combined with years of professional expertise, drives my mission: to help educators feel confident, equipped, and inspired to meet the needs of every learner.

From classroom teacher to autism specialist
My career began in mainstream followed by autism specialist schools, where I developed a strong foundation in evidence-based teaching approaches. I later moved into leadership roles as an Autism Outreach Leader, SENCo and Inclusion Leader and SEMH Lead Teacher, strengthening my expertise in supporting teachers, adapting curricula, and embedding whole-school inclusion strategies.

Following a successful research project developing an autism outreach and training model for schools in Hackney, London, I began working independently as an adviser and consultant, continuing to help schools embed best practice.

Sharing knowledge and developing Autism for Teachers
After coaching and training hundreds of teachers, SENCO’s and support assistants, I created Autism for Teachers, a professional development training programme designed to make specialist knowledge and strategies accessible to all. It brings together the most effective strategies, resources and approaches I’ve seen transform classrooms, giving educators tools they can use immediately.

I also host the Autism, Neurodiversity and Me podcast and run the Facebook community Autism and Inclusive Teaching, where thousands of educators connect, share, and learn from each other.

Making impact beyond the classroom
My work has taken me from advising on public spaces such as the Museums of London and the Transport Museum to designing family educational programmes for autistic children in Oman helping families who were close to leaving their country in search of better support.

Every project I take on is guided by one core belief: when teachers are supported, students thrive.