Founder & Director: Hi, I am Curtis Shaddick (MChem, PGCE, QTS)

I am a Master of Chemistry with a PGCE in Secondary Science and QTS. Outside of the classroom, I am a fan of fantasy books, a keen hiker, and a homeowner. I have a deep love for travel, geography, and maps. I can identify any flag and capital city in the world, which I now recognise as a very autistic, and very joyful, trait.

I was diagnosed as Autistic in September 2019 during my teacher training. That day felt like a massive "aha" moment. It was a relief that finally explained so much of my life up to that point.

During my eight years as a Science teacher across several Bristol and Somerset secondary and middle schools, the mask gradually came off. All of my colleagues, and most of my students, were actively aware that I was Autistic. I took great pride in being an openly neurodivergent educator, but recently, I have had to leave the job that brought me so much pride and enjoyment.

My departure from mainstream teaching in February 2026 was due, in part, to autistic burnout. However, this period of recovery has also been a period of intense learning.

The Journey Continues: Recognising the Full Picture

My understanding of my own neurodivergence didn't stop in the classroom. Given the high prevalence of co-occurring Autism and ADHD, and through recognising many, many of my own traits, I highly suspect I have co-morbid ADHD and/or Dyspraxia.

Since leaving the classroom, I have recently started the (notoriously long!) diagnostic pathway for ADHD to confirm this. This ongoing process of self-discovery has only deepened my empathy for those currently navigating the "SEND-betweener" space or waiting for their own assessments. I understand the patience, the frustration, and the profound importance of finding support while you are still "in the middle" of the journey.

📝 The Autistic Catalyst

I recently started a blog called The Autistic Catalyst, where I share the raw and honest details of my journey, my experiences in the education system, and my philosophy on neurodiversity.

[Click here to read "The Autistic Catalyst"]

Find Your Tribe

One of the absolute highlights of my career was founding the school's neurodiversity lunchtime celebration club. The children themselves named this club "Find Your Tribe." It was designed as a safe environment within the school where they could unmask and be themselves, far away from the sensory chaos of the lunch hall and the yard. Seeing the students thrive in that space confirmed what I have always believed: neurodivergent individuals do not need "fixing"; they need an environment that allows them to function.