Hello! I’m Amy and I am the founder of Straw Hat Holistic. I’m really happy you’ve found your way to my website - thank you so much for reading!

I was diagnosed as autistic over ten years ago and have encountered the many challenges that have come from a late diagnosis. Post-diagnosis there was little support available to me and I was discharged from mental health services with a leaflet to start my journey of identity and self-acceptance alone.

My mental health was poor, and a lot of the strategies that were shared were not having the effect that I'd hoped they'd have. Mindfulness would send me into a fight or flight response, but I've learnt how to adapt my toolkit to make it work for my neurotype. Mindfulness is now a powerful tool for me, especially for perseveration.

Another huge challenge was finding employment that has worked with me. I've trained as both a doctor and an chartered accountant, both times leaving just before the final exams. This was prior to my diagnosis, where I was navigating invisible barriers, that at that point I couldn't articulate or know how I could be accommodated in order for me to succeed.

I've worked in project management for multi million pound scientific research projects and been self employed and set up my own business. I'm trustee of a charity and also currently work in a mental health crisis centre. I have my own physical and mental health challenges, as alongside my autism, I have cPTSD, FND and trichotillomania, which I'm very open about and happy to share my experiences.

Over the years I’ve found time and time again that the support available, was not designed for my neurotype, and have often felt hopeless, frustrated and misunderstood. I don’t want that for anyone else and I have built SHH to be there as an affirming presence to help people move forward in their personal journeys. Guiding people to unmask, self regulate, reconnect with their bodies, and live well in the way that works for them, with their authentic selves at the centre.