Dr Max Lowenstein
Chair of Trustees
Dr Max Lowenstein is a law academic who has autistic spectrum condition, generalised anxiety disorder and depression. He openly acknowledges them to all and passionately works with others to help remove mental health stigma and educate
Max is an advocate for accessible and inclusive disability services and his legal expertise assists autistic people with employment, educational and publishing enquiries. His consultancy also promotes equality & diversity rights in the UK and globally for all.
Ms Sonia Owen
Vice-Chair of Trustees
Sonia Owen is a psychology graduate (BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling). She has diagnoses of Asperger’s syndrome and inattentive ADHD. She therefore has personal and academic knowledge and experience of counselling and neurodiversity.
Having been involved with AfN since the early days, and having benefitted from its autism-specialist counselling, Sonia has seen and experienced the amazing work that the charity does. She knows how vital it is and is highly invested in helping it to continue.
Mr Anthony Mathieson
Anthony ‘Tony’ Mathieson has been involved with AfN from the outset. After witnessing Elaine’s personal plight over the years, he didn’t need convincing about AfN and avowed to assist her. He fully believes in, and is behind, what AfN stands for.
Tony is a carpenter by trade and uses his carpentry skills to help with all things construction/maintenance at AfN. He has also been responsible for the men’s social group, and he completed a basic counselling skills course which has helped him with this.
Mr Anthony Hall
Anthony Hall has experience and qualifications in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, AAT Accounts and Payroll, Massage Therapy, Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Safety and Risk Management, and Building and Facilities Management.
After a late Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis, he became a trustee of Action for Neurodiversity and as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is happy to offer help and advice to AfN counsellors who may be helping JW clients.
Mr Steve Watkins
Steve Watkins is passionate about promoting and supporting neurodiversity. He works as a manager within the public sector with experience of managing people, budgets and projects which he brings to his role as Trustee.
Steve has been involved with AfN for a number of years and he strongly believes that AfN provides vital support to people with ASD/ADHD and he is proud to be able to help in this important work.
Mrs Suzanne Styles
Suzanne Styles is a seasoned entrepreneur, accomplished businesswoman, and certified coach and facilitator. She collaborates closely with her husband Chris, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s (autism) at 53.
Suzanne is dedicated to helping AfN optimise its resources, raise its profile locally and nationally, and expand its positive impact on the neurodiverse community.
Dr John Galvin
Dr John Galvin is an academic psychologist at the University of Warwick. He is currently researching and teaching on topics related to autism, stress, and mental health. John was first introduced to AfN in 2024, and presented his research at the annual conference. He is committed to supporting the charity to raise its profile, increase income streams, and to ultimately amplify its support and impact within the neurodiverse community.
