Heidi Mavir
Heidi Mavir has been selected by Inspiring Woman Changemakers as the winner of the Bernadette Mary Speight special award in our Igniting Inspiration campaign.
Heidi Mavir is a late-identified, Neurodiverent adult. She is a public speaker, advocate, author of Sunday Times bestseller ‘Your Child is not Broken’, podcaster, and parent to an Autistic/ADHD teenager. She is a also chronic oversharer and a bit of a badass.
Those are her words – but our judges felt she’s more than just a bit of a badass! Heidi’s personal growth, consistency and impact are the three areas where they regard her work as outstanding.
Who has she helped/who will she help?
In 2018, Heidi’s son Theo experienced a mental health crisis, brought on by the struggles he faced in mainstream education as an undiagnosed Autistic student. With Theo too unwell to attend school – or even leave the house, Heidi committed herself to finding out everything she could about neurodivergence; education, health and social care plans; and what it means to advocate for your disabled child in crisis.
Heidi took Theo’s case to SEN Tribunal and secured a bespoke package of education for him so that he had the support he needed to finish his GCSEs. As an extra surprise, during the process, Heidi also discovered that she too is neurodivergent … at 44 years old!
Heidi speaks openly about the impact the process had on her. She shares her experiences as a parent whose own mental health spiraled as a result of the overwhelming stress and pressure felt by parents of children unable to attend school.
A trained Mental Health First Aider and CPD Accredited Trauma-Iformed Professional, Heidi uses her knowledge, learning, and experience to help other parents and carers become powerful advocates for their neurodivergent kids. In 2019, she founded EOTAS MATTERS, an online community of over 6000 families, supported by parent professionals and SEN advocates, who want to improve opportunities for Autistic learners outside a school setting.
What’s worked?
Heidi has spoken on stages across the UK. She has been featured in The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and BBC National News. Heidi is passionate about empowering families in their fight to secure suitable education for their children and young people. Through her work supporting families, she aims to ensure that children like Theo no longer fall through the cracks, but rather are supported by knowledgeable, empowered adults who know how to get their voices heard.
She has written a Sunday Times bestseller, now published by Pan Macmillan entitled ‘Your Child is Not Broken – Parent your Neurodivergent Child without Losing your Marbles.’ It’s described as THE book for parents who need permission to do things differently. Part autobiography, part parenting manual, Your Child Is Not Broken is a no-holds-barred account of Heidi’s discovery of her child’s neurodivergence.
What has she learned? Any challenges?
Heidi almost died whilst working out why doing things differently was necessary. She says that being gentle with herself is paramount, as well as getting really clear about boundaries and working practices, having more downtime, and curating who she surrounds herself with.
Having a group of people to whom she doesn’t have to explain herself has been life-changing. It has helped her overcome challenges, even if it has been painful at times ensuring she is surrounded by the right people. An ongoing challenge is to support her own mental health, whilst still showing up for others.
What’s next?
Anything is possible with Heidi!
What advice, contacts, or resources would help her?
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