Sarah Dickinson is one of our supported individuals from Outreach West. Sarah loves to write reviews for where ever she goes! 

I am Researcher in Residence at Scottish Autism, where I am currently coordinating a programme of practitioner-led research. I have a strong focus on qualitative approaches, having trained in social anthropology at the universities of Cambridge and Aberdeen before taking up a fellowship at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. I also have a professional background in social care, having worked in direct support and junior management roles for a number of years in both learning disability and autism services. I am particularly interested in the way we recognise and apply autism knowledge among our staff teams, and on how we produce and utilise evidence in our practice.

I joined New Struan School as Headteacher in August 2011. I have a background in Leadership, autism and other complex needs having worked in both mainstream and special educational needs settings. I have a MA in e-Inclusion, Learning Disability and Technology, National Professional Qualification for Headship – NPQH and Bachelor of Education with a Diploma Primary Teaching. In my current role I have overall responsibility of the running of the school and I oversee the continued development and quality of the School Improvement Plan. I work alongside the Head of Care and the leadership team of the organisation to deliver a shared vision that puts the young person at its core.

I am a Service Manager of Scottish Autism’s One Stop Shop in Lanarkshire. I began work with children with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome in a play scheme whilst at university. Following graduation in 2004 I was employed within Renfrewshire Council to develop and coordinate ASD specific befriending and social group services for children and adults. I achieved a Post Graduate certificate in Autism in 2008. Shortly after this I began work within Scottish Autism where I managed an outreach service. I recently took post within the One Stop Shop and I am currently developing this new service.

I am a Services Manager for Scottish Autism working in Central Area Services. I have worked for Scottish Autism for nine years, supporting adults with autism across a range of direct services. I managed a day service specialising in developing skills and creative expression in arts based activities, before taking up my current post as a services manager, overseeing a range of day, residential and home support services. I am also involved in Scottish Autism Knowledge Share events and have an interest in how we learn from the individuals on the autism spectrum we support and share knowledge based on those practice experiences. 
 

I am the Corporate and Community Fundraiser for Scottish Autism focusing on partnerships, donor development and engagement with those who support our charity. After graduating from the University of Glasgow in History I began working in fundraising and developed a real passion for it, recently completing the Certificate in Fundraising with the Institute of Fundraising. I have been working at Scottish Autism since 2011 as member of the development team. We have wonderful supporters, who's inspirational fundraising efforts make a huge impact on the charitable projects which Scottish Autism offers.