In each edition we delve into the minds of those who are redefining the boundaries of health. Our goal is to share the insights and stories of those leading the way to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for everyone.

In this edition I had the pleasure of interviewing not just a health innovator but a change agent. Dr Susan Crawford PhD (She/Her), Founder and CEO of Get Autism Active is impacting the lives of people living with ASD and I think you’ll like it.

Please could you tell us about your story?

I originally qualified and worked as a nurse and midwife, I was studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science when my only child, Tomás was diagnosed as autistic at the age of two. Tomas influenced and directed my passion as an autism advocate both personally and professionally. I went on to complete my PhD specialising in autism and motor impairment and became a faculty member at the University College Cork as a lecturer and researcher. Now, I am an Autism Consultant who specialises in the development of movement skills for autistic children and adults.

As an expert in the field of autism, what is the biggest need you are trying to solve for with Get Autism Active?

87% of the autistic population demonstrate movement or motor skill delay which greatly impacts quality of life. By addressing the development of basic movement skills we open up avenues of development. By improving basic movement skills we create opportunities for health related benefits from physical, social and emotional perspectives. Many issues that arise in the world of autism including anxiety, sensory difficulties, balance and coordination issues, mood dysregulation, lack of social engagement can be addressed with quality movement programs. Hence my mission is to provide these programs and make them accessible to all.

What has been the biggest challenges in setting up a business to address these needs?

Time is certainly one of my greatest challenges, I am trying to channel my energies into delivering top class solutions, be it webinars, online resources, in person events and authoring, while also being actively engaged as a mother and an advocate. Not having a business background is also a challenge, things like marketing and IT are where I use the help of outsourced suppliers. I find it hard not to provide immediate answers and support for people and organisations when they contact me which means I haven’t commercialised my expertise as much as I should have done.

We fortunately hear about many advancements in the world of health. As well as educating people, what changes do you hope to see over the next 5 years that will impact the health of people with autism?

I would like to see people actually embodying movement into everyday life. I would like to see that change absolutely happening because I think that’s going to have a huge impact for autistic children and adults, to be out there actively engaging in quality health related physical activity, exercise, and sport. Equally, I think there is opportunity to develop greater awareness around the use of technology for people who are autistic, and I am particularly delighted to be involved in addressing the development of an anti-anxiety device for autistic people.

In addition to you and your team developing so many resources to help the autistic population, you are a truly inspiring leader, who is creating a movement. For other people trying to bring about such a change what advice would you give them?

You have to truly believe and be passionate if you want to make a difference. I know that addressing autism awareness, understanding, acceptance in the first instance, and the power of movement combined opens up a whole new world of opportunity for autistic people. We have embodied the autism and movement mantra in our own lives and equally have seen its positive impacts in the lives of autistic children and adults we have worked with. Empower others to join you along the road and be the change you want to see in life.

Please could you tell me an interesting fact about yourself?

I am an active fundraiser and have run several half and full marathons including in the Antarctic. With Tomás, we completed the New York Marathon last month. In 2019, we ran the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland promoting the autism awareness and autism active agenda.