The Team

The Positively Autistic Team

We are very lucky to have a fantastic team of dedicated team members, bringing to you radio shows seven days a week, as well as working tirelessly in the autism community in order to create autism acceptance, awareness and education.

Tracy Roberts, CEO, Founder

I'm Tracy Roberts, Founder of Positively Autistic. I founded the organisation to assist, educate and raise awareness about autism. I have a daughter who is 27 and has Aspergers. When Nicola was diagnosed, the system was very different to how it is now. I wanted to support and help others that are in the situation I was in. Twenty years ago I had nothing like this and wanted to make a difference. I also work as an Autism Specialist Teaching Assistant.

Joe Westlake, CCO, Co-Founder

I'm Joe Westlake, Co-Founder of Positively Autistic! For me, I love to be able to help others; I enjoy working with and meeting different people. With a background in Education, I enjoy being able to see the difference that we can make as an organisation, to the people who are on the Autism Spectrum. I have recently completed my degree in Education and also work within primary education and SEN. I love everything about Positively Autistic; I love our 'positive' ethos and I love the team that I work with. We strive to make difference through the awareness we raise! I also lead the Autism Movement Therapy sessions which take place every Tuesday in Newton Abbot.

Steve Bailey, Advisor

Steve Bailey works behind the scenes at Positively Autistic and offers advice and help to us.

Heidi Slatter, Events Co-ordinator, Autism Movement Therapy

Hi everyone, my name is Heidi Slatter. I live on the Autism Spectrum and my mission is to educate, inspire and raise awareness of Autism spectrum conditions to gain a better understanding and make a positive difference to people like myself. Also, events co-ordinator and instructor of Tuesdays' sessions of Autism Movement Therapy.

Sarah Scrimshaw, Radio Shows Co-ordinator

My name is Sarah Scrimshaw, I am the Radio Shows Co-ordinator for Positively Autistic. The work I do entails co-ordinating the radio hosts and ensuring that the schedule for the radio shows are up to date. As well as this, I deal with all radio-related enquiries, I ensure that all radio show hosts are happy. I am the first point of contact if there are any radio-related issues. I am also responsible for the radio show host applications and the selection process of future hosts. I am on the Autism Spectrum myself, I was diagnosed when I was 15 years of age. I am a keen, passionate and committed team member and advocate of Positively Autistic, as I see the importance of the Government's requirements around meeting the needs of all those on the Autism Spectrum, as well as ensuring the maximum support is available to them. I enjoy working alongside the team as well as the collaboration between the team members. We're not only colleagues, but we're all also great friends. As well as this, I am also the Co-Chair of the Autism Partnership Board in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, and I am also part of the Peer Connections Forum Group as a professional admin.

Dana Susan Beasley, Radio Show Host & Author

Dana Susan Beasley, an inspirational publisher and entrepreneurial specialist, is a homeschooling mum to her teen Asperger's son, Sam. He is the inspiration behind her radio show, Autism, God's Bright Kids. She also designs Autism Awareness products based on her son's artwork.

Additionally, she is in the process of publishing a collection of stories and artwork about Autism for the purpose of inspiring others. She is looking for contributors and sponsors. Information can be found at http://www.RiseAboveAutistic.com.

She owns AngelArts, A Creative Arts Agency & Publishing House and is passionate about helping individuals find their callings and turn them into thriving businesses, as well as creating amazing products and books that inspire people to reach for new heights in their lives and beyond.

Jeanette Purkis, Radio Show Host & Author

Jeanette Purkis has a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome and atypical schizophrenia. She is an author, advocate and public speaker. Jeanette has written and contributed to a number of books on autism spectrum conditions including ‘Finding a Different Kind of Normal’ (an autobiography) and ‘The Wonderful World of work' (a book about employment for teens on the autism spectrum) - http://www.jkp.com/author/authors/view/id/jeanette-purkis-4568 Jeanette has spoken at a number of conferences, including for TEDx Canberra in 2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqdGb4TraFk Jeanette featured in the documentary ‘Alone in a Crowded Room’ which aired nationally in Australia in 2010. She also works full-time for the Australian Public Service, has a little black kitty called Ronnie and a house full of artworks, books and ‘nice things’. Jeanette now has her own radio program - ‘Jeanette’s Autism Show’ - hosted through Positively Autistic. Jeanette met the people at Positively Autistic as a guest on ‘Sarah’s Autism Chat’ and was very impressed with their advocacy work. She was delighted when asked by Joe from Positively Autistic if she would like her own show. Jeanette’s program has a strong focus on empowering people with autism spectrum conditions to achieve their full potential. Some of the topics for the program include being a professional with a diagnosis, successes in employment, the value of pets and assistance animals, art, working with the world of autism research as a lived experience expert, spirituality and an exciting show which will be broadcast live from the ASA Conference ‘Human Being on the Spectrum’.

Michele Chigas Hillman, Radio Show Host & Autism Optometry Advice

Michele Chigas Hillman Is an advocate for autism and vision therapy. She currently resides in Virginia, USA. She has two children, Cassie age 13 and Joshua age 10.
She came to learn about autism through her son, Joshua. While researching autism for her son, she found out at age 43 that she has Aspergers. She knew she was "different" her entire life but could never really grasp what "it" was and what made her different from anyone else.
A long story short, Joshua had strabismus eye surgery at 22 mos. In 2006. While the surgery was considered a success by the Paediatric Ophthalmologist as his eyes are straight. He was diagnosed by a NueroBehaviourist with Moderate Autism PDD-NOS in 2010. They were told to get a special needs trust, he will not be a productive member of society and he will live with you for the rest of your life. In 2011 he saw a great Occupational Therapist who decided to do the Sensory Integration Praxis Test (SIPT) with him. They found out at the end of the results that he needed vision therapy. Vision therapy is such a blessing to Joshua and their family. Three years later, they went back to get a re-assessment from the NeuroBehavourist. At this point Joshua had not completed vision therapy and the results came back with a diagnosis of Aspergers.
Her son's story is quite intriguing and the story can be found on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joshuas-Journey/271053699695369
She is co-creator of closed Facebook group Vision Therapy Parents Unite.
https://m.facebook.com/pages/Vision-Therapy-Parents-Unite/665739960110347
This group was founded in June 2013 and has over 3,000 members. Members include parents, caregivers, vision therapy graduates, Drs. of Optometry specializing in Vision Therapy (VTODs), Vision Therapists, and eye care professionals. The group is global and helps many people locate a VTOD near them, Provides support and guidance.
For more information on vision therapy, please visit http://www.covd.org/?page=Autism or http://oepf.org/
Michele can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Ryan Comins, Radio Show Host

My name is Ryan Comins. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with Atypical Autism. After overcoming many struggles over the years, I now am engaged to the love of my life and living independently in my own apartment. My autism advocacy journey started in May 2011 when I started to write my autism awareness blog The Voice from the Spectrum, which has since received more than 30,000 hits. In February 2012, I started to host Junior Positively Autistic Ryan’s Spectrum Talk. A few months later I helped cohost The Poet’s Interest with Marilyn and Ryan. In 2013, I served as guest speaker at the 2013 OUCARES Autism Summit. My passion for helping those with autism better themselves through teaching animation for OUCARES. During the summer 2014, I was hired by autism advocate Dani Bowman to lead an animation program for children on the autism spectrum for Acting Antics in Malvern Pennsylvania. Although work responsibilities are forcing me to stop my show and teaching for the foreseeable future, I will continue to support Positively Autistic any way I can. For more information about me, visit my website www.thevoicefromthespectrum.com.

Marilyn Ann Francis, Radio Show Host

I've been a handicapped advocate for 32 years ever since my daughter Leslie Ann went home to be with the Lord, she had cerebral palsy, couldn't walk or talk. Now I shall go on without her until we meet again and will continually be an advocate for the handicapped...I hope to do my part and raising awareness to AUTISM and other handicapped conditions. Thank you and bless your heart with all I have to say in the name of Leslie Ann Dalton....God Bless, Marilyn Ann Francis, Positively Autistic Radio Talk Show Host.

Sophie Clark, Graphics Designer

My name is Sophie Clark and I am very proud to be associated with Positively Autistic. Since a young age I have been interested with different creative outlets and believe that a creative outlet is something of a big help to focus things as everyone has their own style and their own view of the same thing. Joe and I have known each other for a number of years and when he asked me to get involved with sorting a logo and a new banner design I couldn’t have been happier, it really all spun from there. I have been involved with a few things that have happened and I can’t wait to continue working with some amazing people and with a brilliant cause. On Tuesdays, I also lead the Autism Movement Therapy sessions, which is an alternative arts therapy. I am a certified practitioner and facilitate the administration side of the dance group.

Nicola Roberts, Radio Show Host

Nicola Roberts is the daughter of Tracy Roberts. Nicola is on the Autistic Spectrum and has Aspergers. Nicola is a huge credit to Positively Autistic showing what those with autism can do, as opposed to what they cannot do. Nicola works at the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust at Seale-Hayne, who are a great supporter of what we do. Nicola works in the Bistro and also works with the Access All Aerials radio team. Nicola has been involved in a number of events/fundraisers we've held. Nicola is a credit to the radio show marathons we do - she knows so much about the technology and assists us a great detail in the work.

Diana Lowther, Radio Show Host

I'm Diana Lowther, I am a volunteer for Positively Autistic. I have had an incredible experience due to working with Positively Autistic since 2011 to the present time. I have had an incredible time during my time with Positively Autistic when it comes to creating awareness as well as acceptance for people on the Spectrum. I have a younger sibling who has Autism, and I had always wanted to try and spread awareness for the Autism Community as it is close to myself and my family. Over the past four years, I have had an amazing time helping the team raise awareness, and our team is absolutely incredible. My job role within Positively Autistic is an absolute pleasure to have, and I wish to do my best to raise further awareness for the Autism Community