Caroline and her son Jack

Caroline Stevens, who has led the National Autistic Society for almost seven successful years, is to step down from her role as Chief Executive.

Caroline joined the charity in 2019 and has driven the aim that everything our charity does is led by autistic voices. During this time, she led the charity through the COVID-19 lockdowns, launched our Moonshot vision and Vision to Reality strategy, and oversaw involvement in major projects such as the Chelsea Flower Show 2024 and our successful bid to be TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year 2027.

Caroline said:

“This charity has always been hugely important to me. I became a member almost thirty years ago when I first rang their helpline for support with my son, Jack’s diagnosis. I joined my local National Autistic Society branch and, without their help, would not have been successful in securing autism specific education during a hugely stressful tribunal in 1999.

“Over the years the National Autistic Society was always there for us as a family and I vowed to give back when I was able to. I could never have dreamed that one day I’d be their Chief Executive.

“It was never going to be easy for me to choose the right time to step away from a role that has meant so much however I do so now knowing that I have successfully fulfilled my life’s ambition and at a time when the charity is stable, resilient, and in capable hands.

“My family is entering an exciting new chapter that requires my full presence. After six extremely difficult years, Jack’s world is opening back up and I want to be right there beside him, helping him live his best life. With a beautiful one-year-old granddaughter, ageing parents and a husband who thankfully remains cancer-free, my focus must now be firmly on them.

“While this marks the end of my executive leadership career, it is not the end of my commitment to the sector. After some dedicated family time, I look forward to actively bringing my experience and energy to Non-Executive Director and Trustee roles for causes that really matter to me and align with my values. I will always advocate and champion for autistic and neurodivergent people; I will always cheer on the National Autistic Society from the sidelines.

“Thank you to my incredibly hard working and dedicated team, volunteers, sector colleagues and everyone who supported this journey. It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside you. I am leaving with a profound sense of pride in what we’ve achieved together and I am excited for what the future holds.”

Steve Ladyman, Chair of the National Autistic Society Board of Trustees, said:

“Caroline has led the National Autistic Society for the last seven years and throughout that time her commitment to our aims, to create a world that works for autistic people, has been consistent and unwavering. Her deep-rooted passion has been driven by her personal experiences as the parent of an autistic son with complex support needs and her own journey to secure what he needed to live his best life. That experience led to her determination that all autistic people, their family, friends and carers should get the support and advice that they need and she has dedicated her efforts and the work of the National Autistic Society over the last seven years to that end.

“While the Board is deeply sad to see her go, we fully respect and support her decision to step down at this time to focus fully on her family and their exciting future ahead.

“Caroline leaves our charity in a much stronger position and we are ready to face the challenges ahead. On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Caroline for her extraordinary leadership and wish her and her family the very best for the future.”