From Crisis to Beauty: Guy Shahar on Founding Transforming Autism

The episode marks Transforming Autism’s Big Give Small Charities Week campaign, where all donations are doubled between 22nd June – 29th June 2026.

Donations can be made HERE.

In this episode, Pip Leaver (Trustee) interviews Transforming Autism Founder Guy Shahar about the story behind the charity, his family’s journey with autism, and why parent-child relationships are at the heart of lasting change.

Guy shares how autism first entered his life: through his own experience as an undiagnosed autistic child, and later through his son, whose early withdrawal and overwhelm led Guy and his wife into a difficult search for understanding and support. He talks openly about grief, confusion, the limits of mainstream services at the time, and the moment that pushed his family to look elsewhere.

The conversation explores how one family’s journey became a book, a TED Talk, and eventually a charity dedicated to helping parents build deep, accepting, trust-based relationships with their autistic children.

Guy explains why self-acceptance is so vital, why parents are the vehicle for that message, and why the goal is not to “fix” the child but to help them feel safe, valued, and fully themselves.

What you’ll learn (bullets)

• How autism first became a central part of Guy Shahar’s family life

• Why early fear and grief are common for parents, and why they should not be judged for that

• How poor professional support can increase trauma for families

• Why Transforming Autism focuses on parents and relationships, not “fixing” the child

• How self-acceptance becomes a foundation for autistic wellbeing

• Why small charities can offer focused, specialist support that larger systems often cannot

• How donations to the Big Give campaign help Transforming Autism reach more families

This episode is shared for information and support. It is not medical advice. If you are worried about your child’s well-being, contact your GP or relevant professional support.

If you have found this episode helpful and would like to support Transforming Autism’s work, you can make a donation here: https://tinyurl.com/tap-donate

Every contribution means we can support even more young Autistic children to fulfil their potential and, with their families, live happy, fulfilling lives.

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