I worked for the UK's National Health Service for 18 years before having children. I worked in several locations, including London and Bristol, as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Counsellor and trainer of health professionals. I specialised in HIV/AIDS, sex education and sexuality.
In addition, I gained a BSc (Hons) first degree in Social Policy from University of Bristol, a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Therapy from the University of London.
In 2005 my son was diagnosed as having Autism disorder (Childhood/Classic autism), significant speech delay and intellectual/learning disabilities. Since then I have written numerous articles for parents/caregivers and health/education professionals about the issue.
I was a non-fiction finalist in the 2010 Britwriters national competition with a book about my family's experience of autism. My first book for Jessica Kingsley Publishing, London, 'Party Planning for Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum' was published in June 2012.
My second book titled 'Sexuality and Severe Autism: a practical guide for parents, caregivers and health educators' was published on 28 September 2013.
I wrote a series of six story books about sexuality for children on the autism spectrum with learning disabilities for Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The first three, for boys, were published on 21 August 2014 and those for girls were published in January 2015.
In February 2017 my ninth book, 'What to do about Smearing' was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
I gained a Distinction in my MSc in Disability Studies at University of Bristol in 2015 and this forms the foundation for my doctoral studies which explore relationships and sex education and young people with autism, intellectual and developmental (learning) disabilities.
My latest book 'What to do about Smearing: A Practical Guide for Parents and Caregivers of people with autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities' was published in February 2017.
The 'What is...' 'What are...' series were published in the summer of 2018 and are available on Amazon or via the contact page in this website. The first is 'What are...relationships?' and the second is 'What is ...personal space?' The third in the series is due to be published shortly.
I have travelled extensively, particularly in South East Asia. Now I live in Wiltshire, UK, with my two children.
15 November 2017 I presented a paper about safety in relationships at the National Autistic Society's conference for women and girls with autism.
Kate Reynolds on how to support an autistic child through the challenges of puberty Interview for Woman's Hour, Radio 4 BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06j2fpg
Interviewed on BBC Wiltshire following 'The A Word' broadcast on BBC 1 last night. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03lt09t 15 minutes into radio show
Interview with Sean Moncrieff on Irish radio:
http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Moncrieff/Highlights_from_Moncrieff/111663/Sexuality_and_Severe_Autism
October 2015 I presented two papers for the National Autistic Society's conference about Relationships and Autism, one about sexual abuse and one about teaching sex education. Interview for Woman's Hour http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06j2fpg
December 2015 I presented my work about sexuality and more severe forms of autism to the All Party Parliamentary Group in the House of Lords.
Presented a session for Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) about sex education and disability, February 2016
Session about sex education with parents of children/young people with Asperger syndrome at Springfield Community Campus, Corsham January 2016
Interviewed on BBC Wiltshire following 'The A Word' broadcast on BBC 1 last night. Many thanks to Jonathan Morrell for giving autism such prominence in his radio show 23 March 2016. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03lt09t 15 minutes into radio show
Interview with Sean Moncrieff on Irish radio:
http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Moncrieff/Highlights_from_Moncrieff/111663/Sexuality_and_Severe_Autism
ENDORSEMENT FROM DAISY CHAIN, AUTISM FACILITY:
The staff and parents at our Links parent support group were really looking forward to having Kate Reynolds, Autism Agony Aunt, visit us at our Day centre in Stockton, and we weren’t disappointed!
Kate gave an informative, entertaining, and relevant talk to just under thirty of our parents, making what can appear to be a taboo subject part of an everyday conversation. Parents felt able to relate to her as she has first hand experience of autism and the challenges faced on a daily basis.
Our parents took away some practical tips and a greater understanding of how to deal with sexuality and puberty with their autistic child. Kate brought some fantastic resources with her, which was well received, and the group was reluctant to break when the session came to an end.
We really enjoyed the session and hope Kate will visit Daisy Chain again in the future!
From Laura Leaf, Team Leader.
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