About Us

About Caleidoscope

Inclusive Hearts, Empowering Minds


Welcome to Caleidoscope

Caleidoscope is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting families with autistic young people and the professionals who work with them. We are committed to promoting equality, fostering inclusion, and breaking the stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental conditions. Through tailored training, awareness events, and direct support, we aim to empower both families and professionals to create more understanding, accepting environments for autistic individuals.

About Us

  • Neurodevelopmental practitioner, psychologist-in-training, and experienced autism assessor.


  • Nearly 20 years of experience in education, including work in Special Educational Needs (SEN).


  • Currently serves as Neurodiversity Lead in a London prison, supporting neurodivergent men in custody:

    • Provides tailored interventions.

    • Delivers staff training.

    • Leads system-wide change initiatives.

About the Founder- Aleksandra Malanska

Additional Training


  • Low Arousal Approach


  • Trauma-informed care


  • ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)


  • CBT for autistic youth with depression


  • PDA profile (trained with Laura Kerbey)


  • Relational approach to behaviour

Private Practice and Clinical Work

  • Works privately with Private Therapy Clinic and Oxford Autism.


  • Specialises in autism assessments.


  • Neurodiversity Supervision for newly trained counsellors 


  • Fully certified in:

    • ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised)

    • ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2nd Edition)

    • Sensory profiling

Academic Background


  • MA in Education (completed in both Poland and the UK)


  • Postgraduate studies in Autism (University of Strathclyde)


  • Level 5 qualification in Mindfulness Teaching


  • MSc Psychology (University of Wolverhampton)

Caleidoscope was founded from a deeply personal place, shaped by both professional expertise and lived experience. Aleksandra Malanska (Ola) is not only a dedicated neurodevelopmental practitioner and psychologist-in-training but also a proud mother of an autistic son who continues to inspire her work every day.

Her journey as a parent has profoundly influenced her commitment to supporting other families, raising awareness, and challenging stigma around neurodiversity.

Aleksandra is the author of A is for Alex, a heartfelt book that reflects her dual perspective as a mother and practitioner.

She also serves as a trustee of the charity Us in a Bus, championing the voices and rights of neurodivergent individuals.

Caleidoscope stands as a testament to her belief that education, empathy, and real-life understanding are powerful tools to transform attitudes and create a more inclusive world.



The Team

Aleksandra

Founder

Aleksandra , often known as Ola, founded Caleidoscope in 2019 . She is passionate about creating inclusive environments for all where young people can thrive and reach their full potential. 

Julie

Non-Executive Director

Julie has vast teaching experience with children and adults with varied needs and abilities in many community contexts. Trained in counselling, mindfulness and therapeutic work and has extensive experience in funding and consultation.

Jenni

Non-Executive Director

Jenni is dedicated Charity professional, passionate about supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people. She has strong background in line management, data analysis, writing proposals and funding bids. 

Volunteers

Trustees/ Ambassadors

Chris Bottom

Trustee

Chris was the first person to support Caleidoscope. He is passionate about young people and is a great support. 

Linda Smith

Trustee

Linda is a Mental Health Practitioner in a primary School in Chaldon.

She is a great mentor and great support. 

Anna Kennedy OBE

Ambassador

An educator who has worked to provide an improved education and other facilities for children with autistic spectrum condition. In pursuing support for these children, she has established two schools, a college, a respite home.

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