Alison Briers

Alison first started working with autistic adults in 1990, in a residential and day centre setting.  In 1998, she completed her Post Graduate qualification in Autism through Birmingham University.  In 2003, Alison achieved her Workplace Assessor qualification which led to her using her extensive experience and knowledge to support social care staff to meet the social care standards for supporting and promoting the independence of autistic and intellectually disabled adults.

From September 2006 until her early retirement in 2022, Alison was employed as the training and service standards coordinator at Glasgow City Council’s Autism Resource Centre (ARC), advising and problem-solving the difficulties and differences faced by autistic people. Her main role and responsibility was developing and delivering Understanding Autism training and Advanced Autism training to council staff, NHS staff, those working with voluntary organisations, parents/carers, and autistic individuals.

Alison is privileged to count many autistic adults among her friends.  She has learned from and uses her own and their experiences to advise and support those who require her services.

Alison’s strength lies in her ability to observe an autistic person in their everyday environment and work out what their difficulties are, and what the solutions might be.  She is the autism trainer and consultant of choice for many voluntary organisations who support adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.