Advancing Education and Inclusivity for the Autistic Community
We have been working across Somerset and beyond since 2011, committed to advancing education, awareness, and inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum, as we strive to create a world where every mind is understood, embraced, and empowered.
Autism Community Network CIC was founded by Campbell Main on 30 December 2011. Trading as Autism Somerset, the website was launched in response to the NICE Guidelines and the Autism Act. Campbell’s vision was to create a reliable source of information and signposting for communities, families, and individuals, aimed at improving the quality of life for autistic people.
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In January 2016, Allison Ward joined the organisation after completing a five-year apprenticeship with Campbell and bringing extensive experience in training. As a parent with lived experience, she contributes invaluable insight and empathy to the team, helping shape services and support.
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Due to ill health, Campbell later stepped down from his role but continued to provide guidance and hold local authorities accountable, ensuring the organisation remained true to its mission.
Meet the Team
Allison Ward
Co-Director & 12 Step Anxiety Program Founder
Allison is an NLP Master Practitioner and Health and Wellbeing Coach who uses a person-centred approach to help people understand their own patterns and make meaningful changes. She draws on extensive professional and lived experience with Autism, ADHD, PDA and Anxiety, which shaped her creation of the 12 Step Anxiety Program now used across Somerset in a wide range of settings.
Stephen Bradshaw
​Co-Director
Stephen brings strong experience in school and staff development and uses strategies that help neurodivergent students and young adults thrive. As a published author, he draws on years of teaching to show common challenges and give clear, practical solutions. He also offers guidance on anxiety, communication, social rules, relationships and classroom behaviour in local settings.
Diane Zaccheo
Clinical Director
Diane has a background in family therapy and behavioural psychology, holds a Masters in Social Work, and is an internationally recognised expert on neurological disorders. She has worked in private practice for 30 years and has consulted for specialist schools, helping them develop 38 Special Education programs for children and adults with disabilities.
Aidan Young
Project manager
Certified Facilitator of Tier 1 and Tier 2 OMMT. Aidan has worked with people with Learning Disability and/or Autism in a SEN school in London. 12-step anxiety practitioner.
Korinna Eaton
Clinical Psychologist
Korinna is a BPS chartered clinical psychologist and provides invaluable clinical guidance to our team. She has over 15 years of experience, working both in the NHS and independently.
Gabrielle Basson
Expert with lived experience
A Tier 2 OMMT autistic expert with lived experience in training, Gabi has an assistance dog named Cozmo.
Jai Ward
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Jai Ward has expertise in IT infrastructure, design, strategic planning, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Known for leading cross-functional teams and optimising system performance, Jai ensures seamless integration of new technologies to support organisational goals and community-focused missions.
Bella Balian
Bella first joined us on a placement year from the University of Bath, as a Psychology student. She is now a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and licensed 12 Step Anxiety Program Practitioner. Bella also supports us with admin and project management.
Odin Ward
Odin is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and delivers our 12 Step Anxiety Program in the community and online. Alongside this, Odin offers 1-1 Coaching and creates bespoke training programmes for young people.
Debbie Sutcliffe
Certified facilitator
Debbie is a certified facilitator of Tier 2 OMMT, has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Sassy Tipping
Certified Facilitator & NLP Practitioner
Sassy is a certified facilitator of Tier 2 OMMT with extensive experience. Additionally, she is a trained NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner
Ollie Sells
Expert with lived experience
An expert by lived experience with autism, Ollie Co-trains Tier 2 OMMT. Having studied Electronic music production, now is a music producer and mastering engineer.
James Reid
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Expert with lived experience
James delivers Tier 1 and Tier 2 OMMT and brings lived insight following his 2013 diagnosis of Asperger’s and high-functioning autism. He has over 20 years in IT supporting education and healthcare and has been recognised by the Times Educational Magazine, the National Autistic Society and the Shaw Trust. He enjoys music, photography, card games and is building a home studio.
Michael Contreras
Expert with lived experience
Mikey is an expert with personal experience in learning disabilities and serves as a co-trainer for Tier 2. Additionally, he plays for the Somerset Visually Impaired Cricket Club. Mikey is actively involved with Achieve Day Support in Taunton, where he has acquired various new life skills, including cooking.
Matthew Letherby
Expert with lived experience
Matt brings valuable lived experience with learning disabilities to his role as an expert for Tier 2. He plays for the Taunton Town Disability Football Team as their captain and has a passion for watching Banger Racing.
Belinda Bourne
Expert with lived experience
Belinda, an expert with lived experience of autism, is a certified co-facilitator of the Tier 2 Oliver McGowan training. She is also a qualified teacher with a Master’s in Transformative (Special Needs) Education
Ben Hallows
Expert with lived experience
Ben applies his lived experience with learning disabilities in his role as an expert for Tier 2. He also plays cricket for the Somerset Disabled Cricket Club and hosts his own radio show on 10Radio.