About
Who we are
Ubuntu Autism Support is a professionally led autism support organisation, founded by Marie Gaterama, a Registered Mental Health Nurse and autism assessor. We offer warm, practical and clinically informed support for autistic children, young people and adults, alongside their parents, carers and families. Our approach is neuroaffirming and strengths-based: we don’t treat autism as something to fix, but we do work alongside families to build confidence, reduce stress and make everyday life feel more manageable.
Guided by the principle of Ubuntu ‘I am because we are’ we believe that supporting an autistic person means strengthening the whole family and community around them. Individual wellbeing and community wellbeing are connected, and we work with both.
Mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday, practical support — so that autistic people and their families feel understood, better equipped and less alone. We want families to be able to access clear information, learn practical strategies, and find a community that respects and includes them, whatever their circumstances or background.
We do this through two connected routes: free and low-cost community support, groups, workshops, peer support, advocacy and resources, delivered by Ubuntu Autism Support CIC; and personalised, longer-term one-to-one support delivered through our private service. Whichever route is right for you, we start by listening, and we work with you rather than talking down to you.