We believe every autistic person and their family deserves equal access to understanding, support, and inclusive experiences—no matter their postcode.
Too often, access to meaningful support depends on where you live. This is not helped by our tendency to be interested in the extremes of those with exceptional talents or profound disabilities. These extremes are real but they can obscure the everyday experiences of most autistic people, and shape limited or even divisive views.
And while the neurodiversity movement empowers many of us by celebrating difference and challenging stigma, it is equally important to recognise the unique medical and other professional support needs that many autistic people require. For if we are to create a genuinely accessible world for all autistics, we believe it is necressary to strike this balance—honouring both civil rights and healthcare needs.
Viva Kai exists to bridge these support gaps.
We do so through offering quality approved autism education and training for businesses, and promoting social and recreational activities that are autism friendly. From clubs and self-advocacy groups to hospitality, travel and family outings, our aim is to level up autism accessible spaces everywhere. We do so as a social enterprise because this is a very personal mission for us. I spent 18 years in the NHS, from frontline emergency care to postgraduate medical education—yet I knew very little about autism until my son Kai was diagnosed at age three. Kai is now 9, and his journey led to mine: a late autism diagnosis at 50 and a whole new reflection of autism awareness, inclusion and accessibility.
So, whether you’re a business wanting to improve inclusive experiences, a family seeking welcoming places, or an autistic adult looking for adventure or community—Viva Kai is here to help.
Learn more
Click this short video if you want to gain some context behind our motivations and vision for how to develop Viva Kai.
