Sophie Gorden, a registered mental health nurse who works at The Lakes in Colchester, which is run by Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), has been recognised at the prestigious National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, held in July in Birmingham.
Sophie was nominated as a finalist and received Highly Commended in the Great Autism Practice Award category. Sophie has a diagnosis of AuDHD – a combination of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and uses their lived experience to educate staff on the ward.
The National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards celebrate excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and autism, recognising individuals and organisations who deliver outstanding care. The Great Autism Practice Award acknowledges those who enhance quality of life for autistic people, families and supporters through innovative, compassionate and effective practice.
Judges praised Sophie’s work, stating: “Sophie’s passion for autism drives their empathetic, calm and insightful approach. Drawing from personal experience, they create impactful training, support individuals and inspire teams. Their dedication transforms care, making a real difference to those they support. Staff, families and individuals all agree, Sophie truly makes a difference.”
Sophie has also used their lived experience of autism to co-deliver Oliver McGowan mandatory training on learning disability and autism; a programme now rolled out nationally across the NHS. This essential training equips health and social care staff with the skills and knowledge to provide safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Sophie has also completed the National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP), developed by Anna Freud and AT-Autism for NHS England, and uses knowledge from this to educate colleagues. The ground breaking initiative trains NHS staff to improve the care autistic people receive within mental health services.
In addition, Sophie has designed a 30-page neurodiversity training resource for Ardleigh Ward, alongside a tailored set of admission questions to ensure autistic people’s needs are identified and met promptly upon entering services.
Speaking after the ceremony, Sophie said: “It was an honour to be recognised among so many inspiring individuals and teams working to improve the lives of autistic people and those with learning disabilities. I am passionate about ensuring that services are informed, compassionate and inclusive, and I’m proud to be making a difference.”