Kirstyn Oliver started Alma Autism in 2018, by raising awareness and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity in churches and community groups through pop-up sensory rooms, training seminars and workshops.

Kirstyn has over 12 years experience of working with autistic people in a variety of settings.

She is a Psychology graduate and has a Master's degree in Autism Studies.

She is currently a DTh candidate in Practical Theology (ask her about her research).

Over the years, Alma Autism has grown and Kirstyn's work has spread internationally* with creative and innovative workshops.

She has now released 8 editions of the Sensory Tray Bible and continues to create and release other resources to equip those in this ministry.

Kirstyn has received many invitations to international conferences as a keynote speaker and workshop leader and spends most of her free time, advocating for neurodiverse people and people with special educational needs to be accepted and included in church communities.

Kirstyn loves supporting children with different needs and is a respite foster carer for a child with Angelman’s Syndrome as well as having a full-time job as a children and families minister in South London, where she loves being a part of a vibrant church journeying alongside many children and young people there.

*Australia, Brazil, England, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Singapore, Wales, United States of America, Gambia.

The word "Alma" derives from the Portuguese word "Soul" and the aim is to raise awareness and acceptance, making a difference in the way we support each person's soul to thrive and connect with God in their own unique way. One of those ways is through experiencing stories and worship through our senses. Hence the creation of the sensory tray Bible books.

Kirstyn is fluent in both English (native language) and Portuguese (she lived in Brazil for 14 years) and can deliver her training days in either of these.