Autism Independence's CEO Nura Aabe recognised by 'Points of Light'.
19 February 2019
Nura Aabe, from Bristol, is the founder of ‘Autism Independence’, a community organisation which aims to tackle the stigma of autism and raise awareness of it amongst the British Somali community.
Following her son’s diagnosis with autism, Nura experienced language, cultural and community barriers, divided between professionals’ complex opinions and a community whose language had no word for autism. This inspired Nura to found ‘Autism Independence’ which works with families and local authorities to help transform the lives of children with autism by eliminating stigma while mentoring parents to engage with the system to achieve the best outcome for their children. She has created a network of 50 families, giving a voice to a before underrepresented ethnic community. She has also published papers and shared her story in public talks and a short play created in cooperation with other Somali women from the UK and the Netherlands.
The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.
