Faria Ash on Building the Autism Foundation, Training, Advocacy, and Safer Care in the UK
Host Tony Mantor welcomes back autism advocate Faria Ash, who returns to share her progress since discussing her book on toilet training for autistic and SEND children and adults, based on her nonverbal daughter Aia’s real-life story.
Faria explains that the book’s success led her to form the Autism Foundation in the UK (officially launched October 2023), expanding from workshops into autism training for communities, professionals, schools, and care homes, with a focus on communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory impairments, and reducing challenging behaviors to improve quality of life. She describes launching an advocacy service to help parents navigate UK processes such as EHCP reports and school documentation so children receive appropriate support.
The conversation addresses misconceptions about autism—especially the idea that “autism is a superpower”—and outlines autism “levels” (1–3) through the core assessment areas of communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors.
Faria also discusses the overlap between autism and anxiety, emphasizing routines and structure as key supports, and shares challenges including resistance from authorities and difficulties fundraising to create a safe care facility amid reports of abuse in care settings.
For Autism Awareness Month, she emphasizes that true inclusion requires asking autistic people and families what practical accommodations would help them participate in schools, workplaces, and communities, and she shares how to find her online via autismfoundation.co.uk and her social media profiles.
Welcome to 'Why Not Me' — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide
Meet Your Host Tony Mantor + Why Following Helps
Introducing Guest Faria Ash & Her Growing Autism Foundation (UK)
What’s Changed Since Last Time: Book Launch, Foundation, and Care Facility Vision
How the Autism Foundation Started: Aia’s Story & Toilet Training Breakthrough
Training the Community: Sensory Needs, Communication, and Challenging Behavior
Foundation Growth: Care Homes, Professional Training, and Parent Advocacy (EHCPs)
Fixing Misconceptions: Social Media, ‘Autism as a Superpower,’ and Nonverbal Reality
Where to Start When Learning Autism: The 3 Core Areas (Communication, Social, Repetitive)
Explaining Autism Levels 1–3 (and What They Look Like Day-to-Day)
Autism & Anxiety Overlap: Why Routine Helps and How to Support It
Hard Lessons Building a Foundation: Authorities, Funding, and Safe Care for Vulnerable Adults
The Parents’ Resilience: Stories That Keep the Mission Going
Beyond Awareness Month: What Real Inclusion Looks Like in Communities
One Misconception to End: ‘Autism Is a Superpower’
How to Connect with Faria + What’s Next for the Foundation
Final Thanks & How to Share Your Story with the Show
INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild
Mantor Music BMI
The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
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