Claire Duggan - Autistic children and family’s practitioner, founder - Own Time & Space. As a practitioner who upholds the principles of Neurodiversity there is a significant message that underpins Claire’s business. “Takiwātanga, is the Maroi word for Autism it means 'in his/her own time and space'. 

As with the Maroi view, Claire highlights the strengths within Autistic individuals & advocates that everyone in society has complex identities, rejecting the assumption that there is no single ‘normal’, ‘Neurotypical’ way of being that is valid over another. Own Time & Space was created to inform and impart professional knowledge on child development, education, psychology and the latest Autism theories and practice.

Offering support to families and building communities of practice through both professional expertise and shared parental experience. Ofering a unique blend of lived experience & professional expertise. The values and ethos behind her business began 12 years ago when Claire worked in education. With the personal passion to give every child an opportunity to achieve, access education and have a ‘voice’. Like many who enter education with the moral passion to make a diference, these experiences moulded her into the practitioner that she is today. Whilst education wasn’t a chosen career, having embarked on parenthood after a previous 23 years working in the fast-paced world of advertising. Instrumental life challenges meant that the trajectory of life changed. 

As is the case for many parents who find themselves with a child that doesn’t fit the constraints of an educational mould. The frustration of having to explain her child’s difficulties to professionals alongside the exasperation that, a diagnosis of need doesn’t necessarily mean any information on how to support your child. Determined, Claire embarked on postgraduate studies. It was this thirst for knowledge and lifelong love of academic learning, that became the cornerstone of support for her own family and quest to help others in similar need that provided the impetus to inform and impart vital knowledge to families, through work with the Action for Children charity. Imparting the latest research and developing specific training to parenting practitioners to raise awareness of the surrounding implications within education and health services for children. It was this determination to address the imbalances within a child’s life that lead to an award from the NHS in 2023 for service to Neurodivergent families in the community.

 Services 1:1 coaching and mentoring tailormade to your family’s needs NEUROBEARS – pre-post diagnosis course to improve Autism knowledge for the whole family improving your child's understanding and self-esteem. Parenting support groups in community Online support group Professional Qualifications & Skills FD in Early Years, BA Integrated Work with Children and Families, Postgrad in Psychology, Education and Postgrad in Autism Level 2 accredited in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 6 years in primary education 6 years working with Action for Children supporting the community, teaching SEN parenting, and improving knowledge and understanding of Autism. Governor for an Autistic school. 

Get In Touch: Book a call to discover how Own Time and Space can meet you family’s needs. https://calendly.com/bookmyowntimeandspace/15-minute-discovery email:owntimeandspace1@gmail.com