Alex Manners

From struggling at school to transforming schools' understanding of autism.

Alex Manners is an autism and neurodiversity speaker, Asperger’s Champion, presenter, author, and passionate advocate for greater understanding and inclusion.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of autism) at the age of 10, Alex found school life incredibly challenging. He experienced bullying, struggled in an education system that often failed to understand his needs, and frequently felt as though school was like a prison. Many of his teachers were unwilling to provide the support he was entitled to, leaving his father to constantly fight to get the support he not only needed, but that he was entitled to. During his school days, Alex also received support from a child psychiatrist for two years and attended therapeutic clubs run by a local autism charity, which played an important role in his development.

Today, Alex has transformed those early experiences into a career dedicated to making a difference. Through his own company, he delivers educational and inspirational autism awareness talks to organisations across the UK and internationally, including companies, law firms, banks, NHS Trusts, local authorities, schools, colleges, and universities. His engaging presentations combine lived experience with practical advice, helping audiences understand what autism is, what life with a diagnosis can be like, and how workplaces and educational settings can become more inclusive and accessible. Alongside raising awareness, Alex is passionate about highlighting the many strengths and positives that can come with being autistic.

Alex also regularly delivers neurodiversity interview training to police forces across the UK and serves on two railway accessibility panels, helping to improve services for disabled passengers. He is also a volunteer for the autism charity that supported him when he was younger, regularly volunteering at the charities therapeutic clubs.

A lifelong football fan, Alex has visited all 92 English Football League stadiums. Inspired by his love football, he started his own Autism & Football campaign to encourage clubs to make matchdays and stadiums more accessible. He has also developed a Neurodiversity in Football online course and has worked with clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Swansea City.

Alex is the author of two books: “That’s Not Right! My Life Living with Asperger’s”, published in 2019, and “The Autistic 92”, published in 2024. His broadcasting experience includes presenting a children's radio show for two years and filming football matches for BT Sport across two consecutive seasons.

Rather than viewing autism as a limitation, Alex sees it as one of his greatest strengths. He believes his Asperger’s has shaped who he is in and considers himself fortunate to have been able to manage the many challenges he has faced over the years. With an infectious enthusiasm for life, Alex encourages others to look beyond labels, embrace their individuality, and to never allow circumstances to define what they can achieve. To Alex, life is an adventure, and he is determined to make the very most of it.