Wandsworth autism Charity BeyondAutism seeking new Chair, as Founder, Karen Sorab OBE, steps down after 21 years

Karen Sorab OBE is retiring from her role as Trustee and Chair of BeyondAutism, by Spring 2022.

After 21 years at the helm, as Founder, then CEO and latterly Chair of Trustees, she has led the growth of the charity from scratch, taking it from a school for 4 pupils to a multi-service organisation helping over 200 learners in London and beyond. The hard work and dedication she has shown to children and young adults with autism was recognised in 2018 when she became the first Irish woman in 25 years to receive an Honorary OBE.

Karen says of her time leading BeyondAutism:

“I am very proud of BeyondAutism’s achievements. From its humble beginnings as a class of 4 children at The Rainbow School, to the substantial charity it is today: two Ofsted outstanding schools, our buildings owned by the charity, a thriving Sixth Form, an expanding Post-19, and emerging Early Years and Outreach Services. I am also proud that because we have always been prepared to challenge, we have helped to make ABA appreciated and accessible to many. Most importantly of all, I am extremely proud of how we have been able to support and promote the needs of so many of our beneficiaries and their families.”

Read Karen's full letter to the supporter base here: will now pursue new avenues, supporting adults with learning difficulties to remain and to thrive in their local communities. The lack of provision for adults leaving education is even more extreme than the one she encountered 21 years ago when she established the charity’s first school. Back in 2000 the focus was to provide the best education for her daughter and children like her and now Karen will turn to life after education for adults with learning difficulties.

While these will be difficult shoes to fill, the search for Karen’s replacement has already begun and David Fielding MBE, Managing Partner of the Executive Search Firm Attenti has been appointed to lead the search.

If you are interested in finding out more about the role, visit: