I'm Joanne Kenyon and am the very proud mum to a young man with Autism and his big brother. Although it was never plain sailing, Jake came through mainstream education with his sense of humour mostly intact and is now working hard in a job that he loves and spends his spare time writing. He is also a member of an amateur dramatics society which has given him so much confidence.

For many years I have worked within the Human Resources function of the NHS. I am now a Civil Servant and work with the NHS to save money on contracts. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and am currently studying to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

I am a champion for equality and diversity in the workplace and a keen supporter of inclusion at all levels. Breaking Barriers provides a much needed service to families and carers that are often at a loss with where to go next. Their ability to empathise, share experiences, offer advice and practical support is inspirational and I'm incredibly honoured to be a part of it.

My name is David Rolfe and I have been a self employed shop fitter for over 20 years. In my spare time I enjoy fishing and for the last 7 years I have coached children and young people who have a variety of impairments- predominantly Autism, ADHD, ADD and Tourette's Syndrome. I have also volunteered on residential camping weekends where families with disabled children were given the opportunity to spend some quality time in an environment that allowed them to simply be who they are.

I have a 14 year old son and believe in the importance of early support to allow families to feel confident and better able to manage in whatever situation they happen to find themselves in. Children and young people should be valued and accepted for who they are and not what labels they have.

My name is Cath Bamford and for the past 18 years I have been an Aunt to a brilliant young man with Autism and have watched him grow from a frightened baby into a confident, chatty young man. Early and appropriate support is vital for families like ours to ensure we have all the information and guidance we need to be able to make informed choices and give young people like my nephew the best opportunities possible to reach their potential.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and being with my 8 year old twin daughters.