Robyn Steward

Robyn Steward is a 25 year old woman with Asperger's Syndrome. She works as a specialist trainer and mentor to young people with autism. Robyn has built a successful career for herself in media and training despite having a catalogue of disabilities, including a form of Cerebal Palsy. With intense support from her parents Robyn attended a mainstream school and college, where she thrived on the specialist support. With intense support from her parents Robyn attended a mainstream school and college, where she thrived on the specialist support.

If you are interested in any of Robyn's INSET courses please fill out the Consultant enquiry form within the inset page or contact the office on 01672 512914 for further details and availability.

Robyn started her career as a trainer in May 2004 at the centre for students with ASD's at City College Norwich. She now speaks regularly throughout the UK. Robyn has been featured in an array of media including: Channel 4 news, BBC, world service news hour, BBC Woman's hour, BBC Broadcasting House, The Sunday Times and disability now. She has written for SEN magazine and about.com. Robyn also keeps a blog for the National Autistic Society.

In addition, Robyn is a working artist. She paints in order to explore the thoughts and feelings that lie beyond words, which she is then able to share with the world. She has had several art exhibitions.

Robyn was shortlisted for young person of the year at the RADAR (Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation) Human Rights Awards 2008, and won the 2008 Charlie Bayne Travel Trust Award through Cambridge University.

Robyn is available for half-day INSET training on autism and Asperger’s Syndrome which can be tailored to suit your school’s needs. If you are interested in any of the INSET courses listed below please contact the office on 01672 512914 for further details and availability.

Asperger's from a person, not just a text book

All too often professionals are given information and training on autism that is very text book orientated.

This course provides a unique insight into what it is like on a day to day basis for someone living with autism. Robyn uses her personal experiences through growing up and attending mainstream schools and college, to demonstrate the challenges faced by anyone on the autistic spectrum.

This workshop offers practical advice on dealing these challenges.

The Primary Triad

This session examines the Triad of Impairments, and how it can affect young people with autism.

This workshop involves practical exercises to demonstrate the effects of the Triad, however, autism is not solely limited to difficulties within the Triad. The many other difficulties young people experience are also discussed within this session.

The focus is on shared experience and practical exercises that delegates can take away and replicate with their pupils and colleagues.

The Triad - First Steps to Independence

This session covers more detailed discussion of the Triad of Impairments.

Here delegates focus on the issues that can arise during the transition to adulthood. This workshop aims to dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding autism in young adults, and offers practical exercises to gain a fuller understanding in dealing with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Robyn's Art Workshop

Robyn is a working artist and has had several exhibitions. Robyn works with acrylics and clay, her technique is to use her fingers to gain an in-depth look at her own unconscious.

Having largely missed out on any real creativity at school Robyn has developed her art project over the last few years.

This workshop explores the different ways people can connect to themselves through art, as well as offering a structured approach to discovering art and its benefits for those on the autistic spectrum.

Housing 16+

In 2009 Robyn conducted a housing research project for City College Norwich for students with ASD. Robyn presents her findings and offers practical advice for independent living.

"Thank you for a great presentation yesterday evening. I have had lots of positive feedback for my colleges and the other visitors who joined us. I was just what we needed."

"Robyn was terrific, very interesting to hear how it is from a real person with day to day experience of Aspergers."

"Very engaging! Absolutely right, far better from a person than a text book!"

"Robyn was excellent I  could have listened to her all day, very inspirational."