About Caleidoscope
Inclusive Hearts, Empowering Minds
Your Home for Comprehensive Autism Support
Caleidoscope is a non for profit organisation supporting families with autistic children and professionals who support autistic individuals.
We promote equality, inclusion, and the breaking of stigma around neurodevelopmental conditions through training, awareness events, and support for families and professionals.
The founder and director, Aleksandra Malanska, is a neurodevelopmental practitioner, psychologist-in-training, and experienced autism assessor. With nearly 20 years in education across various settings including Special Educational Needs (SEN), she now works full time as the Neurodiversity Lead in a London prison, supporting neurodivergent men in custody through tailored interventions, staff training, and system-wide change.
Aleksandra practises privately with Private Therapy Clinic and Oxford Autism, specialising in autism assessments. She is fully certified in both ADI-R and ADOS-2, as well as sensory profiling. She is also trained in Low Arousal Approach, trauma-informed care, ARFID, CBT for autistic youth with depression, the PDA profile (with Laura Kerbey), and uses a relational approach to behaviour.
Her academic background includes a Master’s in Education(completed in both Poland and the UK), postgraduate studies in Autism at the University of Strathclyde, and a Level 5 qualification in Mindfulness Teaching. She incorporates mindfulness to reduce violence and support emotional regulation, particularly among young men in custody.
Aleksandra has been running LEGO®-based therapy groups for six years, trained by Dr. Gina Gómez de la Cuesta, the pioneer of the method in the UK. She is passionate about this approach and its impact on building communication and connection.
A potential PhD candidate, Aleksandra’s research interests lie in the intersection of autism, trauma, and the criminal justice system—specifically autistic men in custody for sexual offences. Her professional drive is deeply personal: she is a proud mother of a young autistic man who inspires her work daily.
Aleksandra is the author of A is for Alex, available on Amazon, and a trustee of the charity Us in a Bus. She believes that education and awareness can transform attitudes, improve lives, and build a more inclusive world.
Why Caleidoscope?
Caleidoscope is a powerful metaphor for our organisation, reflecting the vibrancy, complexity, and uniqueness of every individual on the autism spectrum. Just as each turn of a kaleidoscope reveals a new and beautiful pattern, autistic minds offer rich and ever-evolving perspectives.
Autism has no single expression—each person’s experiences, strengths, and challenges are as diverse as the shifting shapes in a kaleidoscope. The name 'Caleidoscope' invites us to see and celebrate this stunning diversity.
We are committed to moving beyond stereotypes, promoting understanding, and embracing the brilliance that neurodivergent individuals bring to the world.
Our Story
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
LEGO Based Therapy is the most popular. We deliver it in Caterham on rolling basis.
There is a wide range of monthly online webinars on various topics.
We offer autism assessment.
We offer volunteering opportunities for young people who work towards Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.
We developed Progression Path for our LEGO Groups.
We developed a good relationship with
HOME START and CRUSE BEREAVEMENT.
Ola published her first book: A is for Alex
You can buy it here
We deliver most of our training online although we do provide individual support for families and professionals.
Autism assessment is now offered for families.
We have delivered a few CPD days for schols, the most popular one being LEGO based therapy.
We developed a great partnership with Dorking Family Centre and The Arc in Caterham where most of our classes take place.
Pandemic hit and everything was put on hold. Caleidoscope did not stop! With a great support from National Lottery we delivered 50 sensory packs to the most needy autistic childen in Surrey. There were online activities with prizes for children, too.We had a great pleasure to deliver over 40 webinar classes for parents and professionals
Inspired by the need in the community Caleidoscope CIC was founded with a free Art class in Caterham Library. Tandrige Council was our first founder with a great support from Chris Botten , our local councillor.
THE TEAM
Ola founded Caleidoscope in 2019 . She is passionate about creating inclusive environments for all where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
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.
.jpg?etag=%225bab3-6310f240%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=373%2B280&extract=99%2B0%2B222%2B280&quality=85)
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
Sophia joined the team in January 2023. She volunteers in LEGO Club in Caterham.She is 15 and attends a Secondary School in Croydon , where she is working towards Duke of Edinburgh's Award. She loves horse riding and is great with SEN children.
Maria joined the team in September 2023. She volunteers in LEGO Club in Caterham. She is 13 and attends a Secondary School in Croydon , where she is working towards Duke of Edinburgh's Award. She loves Tik Tok and ice skating and her ambition is to become a nurse. .
TRUSTEES/ AMBASSADORS
Chris was the first person to support Caleidoscope. He is passionate about young people and is a great support.
.png?etag=%222182d-630fb817%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fpng&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=268%2B245)
Linda is a Mental Health Practitioner in a primary School in Chaldon.
She is a great mentor and great support.
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.
SUPPORTERS
