Paula Thompson

Spectrum Connect CIO
Women Making a Difference – Runner Up

Paula Thompson is the Founder of Spectrum Connect CIO. In despair at the dismal state of services available for her son with autism that would contribute to his development and life-long learning, Paula came to the realisation that if she wanted high quality interaction for him, to give him the best possible quality of life, she was going to have to create it herself, so Spectrum Connect was born. She has developed an organisation that belongs to the people who are part of it and that is shaped to fit them, where previously they were expected to fit into an existing structure. Her strength, passion and commitment to make life better for adults with autism is admirable. Volunteering tirelessly to give adults with autism opportunities to make friends, build confidence and self-esteem and look at what matters to them as individuals. She has devoted herself to creating a better life not only for her own son but for others with autism too.