Laura Kerbey
Laura Kerbey has been working with autistic children and young people for over 22 years.
Laura started her teaching career as a lecturer in the Supported Learning Department of a large Mainstream Colleges teaching Numeracy, Literacy, Life Skills and Childcare. She also worked as the Life Skills Co-ordinator at a residential college for young people with severe physical disabilities. Laura specialised in Autism in 2002 when she became the Autism Champion for the Surrey College Network, she then became Assistant Head Teacher, then Head Teacher at an independent special school for autistic children.
Laura is the author of “The Educator’s Experience of PDA” and “The Teen’s Guide to PDA which are both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishing. “The (Slightly Distracted) Women’s Guide to living with ADHD, “The Simple Guide to PDA for Kids” and “The Simple Guide to PDA for Parents and Professionals” will all be published in 2025. All Laura’s books are illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker.
In March 2013 Laura founded Positive Autism Support and Training (PAST.) PAST provided support to families who have autistic children and other associated conditions. In March of 2023 PAST became Positive Assessments Support and Training.
In October 2018 Laura launched KITE Therapeutic Learning Services with a colleague. KITE provides bespoke therapeutic learning programmes for children who are unable to access school due to high anxiety or other needs. The majority of children accessing KITE are autistic with a PDA profile.
As well as working closely with young people and families Laura works as an Educational Consultant working with schools, colleges and universities providing training and advice to ensure that the needs of autistic learners and PDA are fully met. The autism and PDA training programmes that Laura has developed at Level 2 and 3 are accredited by The Open College Network (London Region) and recognised by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF.) In March 2020 Laura spoke at the first ever conference on PDA in the United States.
Laura has a degree in Psychology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Education Autism) a PCGE in Life Long Learning and holds NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship). Laura also has a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and NOCN Level 3 Certificate in Working with Students with ADHD. Laura has also completed a Level One Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and ADOS Training.