From Isolation to Empowerment: Finding Your Place in Education (Why Belonging Matters)

We are so pleased to have both Ellie and Finty join us to kick off our 2026 season of workshops here at Autism – A Hands on Approach.

Ellie Loughnan

Ellie is the director of the Rekindle Foundation, using three decades of experience in the education sector to transform experiences and outcomes for those most disadvantaged by the current systems. She has led groups of schools in shared development and has supported imporvement at a local authority level.

Finty Royle

After receiving an autism diagnosis at age 16, Finty transformed her personal struggles within the education system into a powerful platform for change. Now a fifth-year medical student, she celebrates the unique perspective her neurodivergence brings to her life and work. Finty has spent years championing the theme of belonging, sharing her insights at panel events, national conferences and within the halls of Parliament. As a member of the Belong Collective and a researcher with Rekindle, she recently bridged the gap between data and storytelling by developing a narrative game to help other young people explore and claim their own sense of belonging.