Siena Castellon is an autism and neurodiversity advocate, and despite her young age, has already founded Quantum Leap Mentoring. As a young autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic student, Siena felt there was not enough information available to support her and others, as most of the resources were aimed at parents. So, aged just 13, she created her own child-friendly website to support and mentor children and young people with learning differences and autism.
Since then, Siena has won numerous awards for her website and advocacy, including most recently winning the BBC Radio 1 Teen Hero Awards and being honoured with the British Citizen Youth Award. She was also invited to Kensington Palace to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Listen (or watch) Siena as she talks to us in an episode of our series SNJ in Conversation here.
- Moving Towards Neurodiversity InclusionIt's Neurodiversity Celebration Week! When I launched Neurodiversity Celebration Week over three years ago, I never imagined that my campaign…Continue reading »
- Why I’m using my new global United Nations role to promote neurodiversity and the importance of equalityTania's note: At SNJ, we want to pass on our huge congratulations to Siena for being selected for this incredible,…Continue reading »
- Celebrating neurodiversity: Now, more than ever, we must support one another, whatever our differencesAs we enter into a dark time full of danger and uncertainty, it seems almost perverse to write an article…Continue reading »
- It’s NOT your fault: An autistic teen’s comprehensive guide to surviving being bulliedI’m still just 17 and I've been bullied at school for most of my life. If you’re autistic or have a…Continue reading »
- Jenna’s 10, has missed two years of school, and is campaigning for SEND inclusionI'd like to introduce you today to 10-year-old Jenna, who has anxiety and ADHD and has missed two years of…Continue reading »
- I chose mental health over a prestigious Sixth-Form, that refused to recognise my autismA lesson I recently learned is that sometimes admitting defeat is the best decision you can make. This time last…Continue reading »
- We’re the country’s future. We demand our right to a properly funded education!Imagine living in a country where the government and politicians are robbing their youth of their futures? Where budget cuts…Continue reading »
- School can demoralise autistic students, help me celebrate our neurodivsersity!Tania's note: We recently featured a post from autistic teenager, Siena Castellon, about her fabulous anti-bullying work. Siena is now…Continue reading »
- “I’ve been bullied at school for most of my life” How Siena’s helping other autistic young people like herTania's note: I really value being able to feature the voice of young people with SEND on SNJ, as we…Continue reading »
