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Alexis Quinn

Alexis Quinn is a former schoolteacher, professional athlete and author of two books: her ground-breaking memoir, Unbroken, and Autistic & Expecting, a guide for autistic parents to be. Alexis speaks on neurodivergence, trauma, restraint, sexual violence and mental well-being. She is a psychotherapist and works as Manager of the Restraint Reduction Network. 

 

Here is my reasons for becoming Patron for the website: I am deeply honoured to join Lotus CIC as a Patron. Having campaigned for many years after sharing my own experiences of sexual violence in Patient-11 and my book Unbroken, I know first-hand the need for safe, accessible and tailored services for neurodivergent people. As a psychotherapist, I understand the profound positive impact that high-quality, specialised support can have but how few people are able to access what they need. Lotus CIC’s mission to go beyond traditional counselling and provide nuanced, survivor-led support aligns with my commitment to fostering healing and growth. I am excited to contribute to their important work in creating safe and inclusive spaces where people can begin or continue their recovery with dignity and understanding.

 

Publications: 

  • Quinn, A. (2025). Relationships of concern: the perils of the progress paradox in positive behavioural support. International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 15(1), 35-44.

  • Quinn, A., Cavanagh, D., Kilcoyne, J., Haines-Delmont, A., Ryan, S., … Pavlopoulou, G. (2025). Long term segregation and seclusion for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism in hospitals: a critique of the current state of affairs: commentary, Quinn et al. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 1 – 3. Doi:10.1192/bjp.2025.53

  • Quinn, A. (2025). (De)humanising people in psychiatric inpatient settings. Asylum, 32(1), 6 – 8.

  • Quinn, A. (2024). Five ways staff can humanise mental health care for autistic people. https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/five-ways-staff-can-humanise-mental-health-care-autistic-people

  • Read, M., & Quinn, A. (2024). Supporting autistic refugees in the UK using the HOPE(S) model. Learning Disability Practice. doi: 10.7748/ldp.2024.e2248

  • McGreevy, E., Quinn, A., Law, R., Botha, M., Evans, M., Rose, K., ... & Pavlopoulou, G. (2024). An experience sensitive approach to care with and for autistic children and young people in clinical services. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 00221678241232442.

  • Quinn, A., Wood, A., Lodge, K., & Hollins, S. (2023). Listening to the experts: Person-centred approaches to supporting autistic people and people with an intellectual disability in the mental health system. BJPsych Advances, 29(5), 308-317. doi:10.1192/bja.2023.31 

  • Quinn, A. (2021). Autistic & Expecting - a practical guide for autistic parents to be and health care workers supporting them. Pavilion Press. 

  • Quinn, A. (2018/2021). UNbroken - learning to live beyond diagnosis. Welbeck Publishing. 

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