Vikie Shanks

Having had so many negative experiences with the authorities and schools trying to achieve the best for her disabled children, Vikie developed a passion for doing whatever she can to change the system so that children with special needs no longer suffer. Vikie decided to set-up an Autism Support Group and within three weeks she had 80 people seeking support, where none previously existed.

Vikie demonstrated a remarkable strength of character to channel her experiences into becoming an author and motivational speaker. She has shown that the most trying of circumstances can be used as a positive force, specifically in promoting awareness of autism and mental health issues.

Vikie also speaks on the value of transparent communication, a lesson vital both in life and in business. She talks about her life and her experiences of having children with autism at a recent TED Talk and has published a book Unravelled: The Inspirational True Story of a Journey Out of Darkness.

An expert on autism and how people with autism cope with daily life, including the struggles of adapting to any form of change and uncertainty, Vikie’s presentations are insightful and offer many thought-provoking messages. She has been named  Best Magazine’s Bravest Woman at a star-studded awards ceremony in London on November 17th and also appeared on ITV’s This Morning in 2014.

On October 13th 2017, Netflix aired the exclusive documentary film, ‘Kingdom of Us’, about Vikie and her children’s life. The film has won an award and been nominated for a further three.