A new initiative is aiming to make East London a more inclusive and compassionate space for autistic people.
Empowering Lives, Affirming Neurodiversity (Elan) recently launched a lanyard campaign to promote greater awareness, understanding, and accommodation for autistic people in East London’s communities.
Co-founders Claire Macdonald and Kate Currin have been working alongside a growing management team committed to practical, compassionate support for autistic people and their families.
Macdonald told the Go! on Wednesday the support group dedicated to parents and caregivers of autistic people was diverse, and welcomed people from all backgrounds and at every stage of their journey.
She said the project introduced a discreet, recognisable lanyard system that autistic people or their carers could wear in public spaces.
“This simple yet powerful tool signals that the wearer may require additional patience, space, or support, and encourages more inclusive interactions,” said Macdonald.
“Whether it is sensory overload in a busy shop or a need for flexibility in communication, the lanyard helps bridge the understanding gap between neurodivergent individuals and the wider public.”
Macdonald said the idea was born out of lived personal experience. She brings more than 30 years of experience in special educational needs support and education after having taught in both the UK and SA, with extensive experience in specialised and advisory settings.
“Many autistic individuals and their families were navigating diagnosis, schooling, public spaces and daily life feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported.
“Elan was created to bridge that gap — to affirm neurodiversity, empower families with practical tools, and build a more understanding and inclusive East London.”
Currin’s contribution is grounded in parent support and emotional wellbeing and Elan developed alongside the deepening and evolving focus of her wellness counselling practice, where she works closely with parents navigating diagnosis, emotional overwhelm, and burnout.
She is also a mother to an autistic child — a perspective that deeply informs her understanding of the emotional realities families face day to day. This combined lens has shaped Elan’s strong emphasis on supporting parents and caregivers, recognising that when adults feel informed, regulated, and supported, they are better able to create safe, affirming spaces for autistic children.
More recently, Tate Smith joined the management team, strengthening Elan’s capacity to grow and respond to community needs.
Smith brings valuable perspective and support to the organisation’s leadership, contributing to the development and delivery of projects that remain grounded in lived experience and community connection.
“We noticed a lack of accessible, everyday support, especially outside of clinical or school settings,” said Currin.
“Families often told us they felt alone after diagnosis, unsure how to advocate for their children in public spaces, and hesitant to participate fully in community life because of fear of judgment or misunderstanding.”
Currin said the response had been overwhelmingly positive.
“Many parents have shared that Elan helped them feel less alone and more confident advocating for their child’s needs in daily life.
“The lanyard project came from listening to families describe how difficult everyday outings could be — shopping, medical visits, or travel — when support needs weren’t immediately visible.
“We wanted a tool that allowed autistic individuals to signal that they might need patience, flexibility, or understanding without having to explain themselves repeatedly.
“The lanyard is worn voluntarily and discreetly.”
Currin said the lanyard signals to staff or members of the public that the wearer may need extra time, clearer communication, reduced sensory input, or gentle understanding.
“It does not ask for special treatment — just awareness and kindness,” said Currin.
“The lanyard will make the biggest difference at places like shopping centres, schools, hospitals, clinics, airports, and public transport. These are often high-sensory, high-stress environments where a small amount of understanding can make a big difference.”
She said the initiative could expand beyond East London
To order a lanyard or arrange staff training, WhatsApp Currin on 061-543-3082 or email: eastlondonautismnetwork@gmail.com.
