I am a lived experience consultant, trainer and advocate based on being neurodivergent and adopted. The focus of my Fellowship is to understand ideas that could be used within UK adoption so it supports meaningful connections and causes minimal harm to those involved.

My primary motivation comes from being adopted in 2006. Whilst it was overall positive, I still experienced disconnect from my birth family and my birth identity, and in understanding my birth and adoptive parents' experiences.

In Finland, I will explore compulsory therapy for prospective adopters pre-approval and the support offered to birth parents to understand any improvements in engagement and experience. In Australia, I want to understand the reasoning behind and impact of the Integrated Birth Certificate.

I have worked in this area for many years so have heard other stories, including from professionals, on what's working well and improvements that are still needed. I want to contribute to supporting improvements with new ideas and discussion points. On a personal level, I hope to gain insight into adoption in other countries, gain new skills in research, connect with others and learn as much as possible.