Underneath the Camouflage
Underneath the Camouflage
Embedded Files
A deeply personal invitation to rethink how we see, support, and stand beside Autistic children.
Overview
Overview
"Under the Camouflage" is a deeply personal and powerful talk by Simon Preston, a neurodivergent father and educational leader, sharing his lived experience raising his autistic daughter, Sophie. This talk explores the hidden realities behind masking, the emotional toll of misunderstood behaviours, and the transformative power of acceptance and advocacy.
Simon is currently willing to deliver this talk in UK and Ireland.
What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn
The difference between how autistic children present at school vs. at home
The concept of social camouflaging and its emotional cost
How masking can lead to misdiagnosis, trauma, and mental health challenges
The importance of neurocognitive functioning domains over diagnostic labels
Why environmental fit is crucial for wellbeing and learning
How advocacy, trust, and small victories can change a child’s trajectory
Key Themes
Key Themes
Behaviour is communication: What looks like defiance may be distress.
Labels can mislead: Diagnostic terms vary; understanding the child’s reality is key.
Mental health needs understanding, not fixing: Building trust is more powerful than intervention alone.
Acceptance unlocks potential: The right environment allows autistic children to thrive.
Who Should Attend
Who Should Attend
Parents and carers of autistic children
Educators, SENCOs, and school leaders
Mental health professionals
Social workers and youth advocates
Anyone seeking to understand autism through a compassionate, lived lens
See It for Yourself: Highlights from “Under the Camouflage”
See It for Yourself: Highlights from “Under the Camouflage”
Integration vs inclusion.mp4Small Victories.mp4Recommendations & Testimonials
Recommendations & Testimonials
Testimonial Eddie ONeill.mp4About Simon
About Simon
Simon Preston is a neurodivergent father, former educator, and doctoral researcher exploring the systemic misalignments between organisational functionality and neurocognitive functioning, particularly for secondary school teachers.
With an MBA (Distinction) in Educational Leadership and Management and PRINCE2 Practitioner certification, Simon brings strategic insight and lived experience to his work. He’s passionate about designing inclusive systems that genuinely support neurodivergent individuals in education, care, and community settings.
Simon has delivered talks across the UK and Ireland, consistently receiving positive feedback for his warmth, clarity, and practical wisdom.
To book Simon for a talk, email him by clicking the link below.
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